A comprehensive 25-year satellite study has identified Bihar and West Bengal as central to an expanding pollution hotspot. The research reveals a notable rise in particulate matter (PM) levels, exceeding 20% across the vast Indo-Gangetic Plain, the Himalayas, and northeastern India.
This surge in pollution is predominantly linked by researchers to the widespread practice of biomass burning. This activity serves as a primary energy source for rural populations in the affected regions.
The findings underscore the significant environmental impact of traditional energy practices on air quality in these densely populated areas. The study’s longitudinal approach highlights a concerning trend of increasing pollution over two and a half decades.
Source: Down To Earth