📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ravi Dwivedi
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Pakistan’s emissions raise annual PM2.5 levels in Delhi NCR and Punjab, report says
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 21 Aug 2026, 05:33 AM
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A recent Economic Times report finds that cross‑border pollution from Pakistan is a major contributor to the yearly average PM2.5 concentration in the National Capital Region and Punjab.
The Economic Times has published a study linking Pakistan’s industrial and vehicular emissions to higher fine‑particulate (PM2.5) concentrations in India’s National Capital Region and the state of Punjab. The analysis, based on satellite data and ground‑monitoring stations, shows that a sizable share of the annual average PM2.5 load in these areas can be traced to transboundary pollution originating across the border.
Researchers compared year‑long pollutant profiles from 2018 to 2023 and identified recurring spikes that coincided with wind patterns carrying smoke and dust from Pakistani territories into northern India. The report estimates that without the cross‑border contribution, the annual PM2.5 levels in Delhi NCR and Punjab would be markedly lower, improving air‑quality indices.
Officials from the Ministry of Environment and Forests have been briefed on the findings and are reportedly evaluating diplomatic and technical measures to address the shared air‑quality challenge. The study underscores the need for coordinated regional strategies to curb emissions and protect public health.
Public health experts warn that sustained high PM2.5 exposure increases risks of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The report calls for stronger monitoring, real‑time data sharing, and joint mitigation efforts between the two neighboring countries.
While the study highlights Pakistan’s role, it also notes that domestic sources remain significant, urging Indian states to continue tightening local emission controls alongside any cross‑border initiatives.
Researchers compared year‑long pollutant profiles from 2018 to 2023 and identified recurring spikes that coincided with wind patterns carrying smoke and dust from Pakistani territories into northern India. The report estimates that without the cross‑border contribution, the annual PM2.5 levels in Delhi NCR and Punjab would be markedly lower, improving air‑quality indices.
Officials from the Ministry of Environment and Forests have been briefed on the findings and are reportedly evaluating diplomatic and technical measures to address the shared air‑quality challenge. The study underscores the need for coordinated regional strategies to curb emissions and protect public health.
Public health experts warn that sustained high PM2.5 exposure increases risks of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The report calls for stronger monitoring, real‑time data sharing, and joint mitigation efforts between the two neighboring countries.
While the study highlights Pakistan’s role, it also notes that domestic sources remain significant, urging Indian states to continue tightening local emission controls alongside any cross‑border initiatives.