Agartala:
Tripura has come under the national spotlight after a new study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) identified the state as one of India’s most persistent air pollution zones. The report reveals that Tripura, alongside Assam, experiences dangerously high levels of PM2.5 concentrations throughout the year, defying the seasonal improvement typically seen during the monsoon in other parts of the country.
Unlike most regions where rainfall temporarily cleanses the air, districts across Tripura continue to exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) even during the wet season. CREA’s analysis shows that six districts in the state consistently breach permissible PM2.5 levels, suggesting that the pollution problem stems from sustained emissions rather than seasonal weather patterns.
Using advanced machine learning techniques that integrate satellite data with ground-level monitoring, the study highlights a troubling picture of air quality in the Northeast. Tripura has three districts among India’s 50 most polluted, placing it in close company with Assam, which tops the chart with 11 districts.
Environmental experts and officials stress that the findings demand urgent intervention. Persistent air pollution in Tripura poses serious public health risks, affecting both rural and urban populations, while also hampering development efforts. The report calls for region-specific strategies, strengthened emission controls, and expanded monitoring infrastructure tailored to the Northeast’s unique airshed conditions.
The study also notes that neighboring states, including Meghalaya and Nagaland, face widespread non-compliance with air quality standards, while eastern states such as Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha continue to battle chronic pollution challenges.
CREA’s findings serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and citizens in Tripura. Experts emphasize that solutions must extend beyond city-level measures, advocating for coordinated airshed-level governance to address persistent pollution and safeguard the health and future of the state.
Tripura’s inclusion on the national pollution map underscores the urgent need for comprehensive, long-term strategies to combat air pollution across the region.
