Shillong, 13 November (H.S.): Air pollution is increasingly becoming an

urban concern in the Northeast, with recent air-quality readings from several

state capitals highlighting the need for closer monitoring of particulate

pollution, vehicular emissions and urban development.

A comparison of air-quality readings available on November

13 shows considerable variation across the region. Guwahati recorded an Air

Quality Index (AQI) of 109, with PM2.5 at 38 micrograms per cubic metre and

PM10 at 55 micrograms per cubic metre, according to Assam TV9's live

air-quality tracker. Another live tracker, reported a reading of 126 for Guwahati, with

PM2.5 at 45 and PM10 at 75 micrograms per cubic metre.

Agartala also reported elevated readings. A real-time report

published on Friday recorded an AQI of 125, with PM2.5 at 46 and PM10 at 55

micrograms per cubic metre. The reading was classified as poor under the US AQI

scale used by the reporting platform. Shillong, meanwhile, recorded an AQI of

88, with PM2.5 at 28 and PM10 at 46 micrograms per cubic metre, according to

News9.

Other northeastern capitals also showed varying pollution

levels. Live readings from different monitoring platforms placed Aizawl and

Imphal among the relatively cleaner locations, although the figures varied

considerably depending on the monitoring source and index used.

Kohima and Itanagar also showed differences across available

readings, underlining the importance of consistent monitoring.

The figures have brought attention to the need for a

comprehensive assessment of air quality across the seven northeastern states.

Rapid urbanisation, increasing vehicle numbers, construction activities, road

dust, waste burning and changing land-use patterns are among the factors that

warrant closer examination by environmental authorities.

Experts say PM2.5 deserves particular attention because

these fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the

bloodstream, increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

PM10, which includes larger inhalable particles, is also associated with

respiratory health concerns.

The comparison, however, does not establish that pollution

has increased over time. A single day's readings cannot demonstrate a long-term

trend, while differences in monitoring stations, reporting times and AQI

calculation methods make direct comparisons difficult.

The challenge for the northeastern states is to strengthen

continuous air-quality monitoring and make station-wise pollution data publicly

accessible. A common regional assessment covering Guwahati, Shillong, Agartala,

Aizawl, Imphal, Kohima and Itanagar could help policymakers identify pollution

hotspots and develop targeted measures to protect public health.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhijit Deb