New Initiative Launched to Combat Air Pollution in Guwahati

Guwahati has initiated a new 'Clean Air Plan' in collaboration with iForest to combat air pollution, primarily caused by road dust and vehicle emissions. The plan highlights the need for better dust management and traffic congestion solutions. Despite previous efforts in 2018, many guidelines remain unimplemented. The report calls for stricter enforcement of regulations and improved waste management practices. Key stakeholders attended the launch, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the city's air quality issues. This initiative aims to create a healthier environment for residents.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 09:46 IST

Guwahati's New Clean Air Strategy

Guwahati, Dec 19: In a bid to address the deteriorating air quality, the Assam Pollution Control Board (APCB) has partnered with iForest (International Forum for Environment Sustainability & Technology) to develop a fresh strategy for air purification in the city.

The newly unveiled 'Guwahati Clean Air Plan' was presented on Wednesday, marking a significant step following a Memorandum of Understanding established during the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit.

A report created in collaboration with the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation indicates that road dust and vehicular emissions are the primary sources of air pollution in Guwahati.

Out of the estimated PM10 emissions totaling 1071 tons per year, construction and road dust account for 37%, while industrial activities contribute approximately 25%, and road transport adds 21%. Emissions from cooking and heating in both domestic and commercial sectors make up around 12%.

For PM2.5 emissions, which are estimated at 435.3 tons per year, road transport is the leading contributor at 52%, followed by road dust at 16%, industrial emissions at 6%, construction dust at 4%, and cooking emissions from commercial and domestic sources at 16%.

The report pointed out that guidelines from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regarding dust management, such as the absence of green net covers at construction sites and inadequate barricading around flyover projects, have not been adhered to.

Interestingly, the 2018 Action Plan aimed at reducing road and construction dust has seen little implementation, remaining largely unexecuted by the responsible agencies.

The iForest initiative recommends that authorities issue a show-cause notice for initial violations, halt construction for subsequent infractions, and impose a ban for repeated offenses.

Additionally, the report identified issues such as a lack of structured parking, excessive on-street parking leading to congestion, large buses operating on narrow roads, roadside encroachments, and poor intersection designs as factors contributing to elevated vehicle emissions. It calls for a comprehensive traffic congestion management plan.

On the industrial side, the iron and steel sectors are highlighted as significant polluters, with most emissions stemming from coal-fired furnaces, despite the presence of pollution control measures.

The report also raised alarms about the city's inadequate solid waste management system. Out of the 884 tons of waste generated daily, only about 650 tons are collected, with roughly half processed, while the remainder is sent to landfills.

“Approximately 7% of the total waste generated is incinerated, leading to emissions estimated at 61 tons per day (22,349 tons annually), contributing 179 tons of PM10 and 122 tons of PM2.5 each year,” it stated.

Furthermore, the Brahmaputra riverbed on the city's northern side is noted as a natural source of dust re-suspension. The report emphasizes the need for improved soil stabilization and increased greenery along the riverbanks to mitigate this issue. Enhancing green cover in barren areas throughout the city is also essential to curb dust generation.

The event saw participation from APCB chairman Arup Kumar Mishra, MLA Mrinal Hazarika, musician Joy Baruah, Aaranyak’s secretary general Bibhab Talukdar, iForest CEO DR Chandra Bhusan, and Cotton University VC RC Deka, among others.