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Millions of people in the Indo-Gangetic plain and Himalayan foothills face persistent exposure to hazardous air, with recent levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) reported as high as 20 times the World Health Organization’s (WHO) daily recommended limit. To address this public health crisis, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has unveiled an Air Quality Dashboard, a public platform offering real-time and forecasted data on air pollution.
The dashboard combines ground sensor data with satellite imagery to provide a comprehensive view of air pollution across local, sub-regional and regional scales, ICIMOD said in a press statement.
Among its tools is a dynamic timelapse powered by the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem). This model reveals the alarming spread of PM2.5 plumes across the region, including hotspots like Lahore, New Delhi and Kolkata.
Between November 1-21, 2024, the dashboard recorded daily PM2.5 concentrations peaking at 300 µg/m³ in certain areas — 20 times higher than the WHO guideline of 15 µg/m³. These levels pose severe health risks, underscoring the urgency of regional cooperation to tackle transboundary pollution.
The WRF-Chem model on the dashboard allows users to explore the interaction between weather patterns and air pollution sources, providing insights into pollution outbreaks and trends. It integrates emissions data at both local and regional levels, offering a clearer picture of pollution dynamics across borders. Users can also access two-day forecasts, enabling communities, policymakers and researchers to anticipate air quality conditions.
Transboundary pollution remains a significant challenge in the Indo-Gangetic plain and Himalayan foothills, affecting millions across South Asia. Recent smog episodes forced school closures in Lahore and parts of northern India, highlighting the pervasive nature of the crisis.
According to global studies, air pollution was the second leading risk factor for early death in 2021, with South Asia accounting for approximately two million premature deaths annually due to polluted air.
The dashboard represents an important effort to foster regional collaboration on air pollution. By visualising pollution trends and offering actionable data, it provides stakeholders with valuable insights to address one of South Asia's most pressing public health challenges.