Himachal Air Pollution Worsens Due to Methane and Black Carbon, IGST Report Warns
Shimla: The air quality in Himachal Pradesh is deteriorating rapidly due to emissions of methane, black carbon, and other gases. Not just carbon dioxide, but multiple gases are contributing to global warming and climate change. Major sources include livestock, transportation, waste, agriculture, industry, and diesel generator (DG) sets.
This was revealed in a scientific report by the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development (IGST), USA, released on Tuesday by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at the State Secretariat. The report included strategies presented by Environment Secretary Sushil Kumar Singla and IGST India Director Dr. Nimish Singh to reduce gas emissions in Himachal.
According to the report, improving livestock breeds and providing better fodder can reduce methane emissions by up to 27%. Scrapping old vehicles and replacing them with e-vehicles can reduce short-lived climate pollutants like methane and black carbon by 2047. Composting and decentralized landfills can cut methane emissions by up to 50%. Use of LPG and clean cooking methods can also reduce black carbon and other non-organic gases.
CM Sukhu highlighted that climate change is a serious global challenge. Himachal has witnessed unprecedented cloudbursts, floods, landslides, and glacier shrinkage. In the 2023 disaster, over 23,000 homes were damaged. He emphasized the urgent need for corrective measures.
IGST founder Dr. Durwood Jailleke stated that effective strategies must be implemented within a decade to mitigate global warming impacts. Immediate action is needed in environmental science, climate policy, and ecological restoration to protect the Himalayan region.
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