Uttarakhand: The air quality in several cities of the state has deteriorated due to rising dust levels, with Dehradun, Kashipur, and Rishikesh being the most affected. The Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UKPCB), under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), has identified road dust as the biggest contributor to air pollution in these urban areas.
According to the UKPCB study, 56% of particulate matter (PM10) in Dehradun’s air comes from road dust, followed by forest fires (19%) and vehicular emissions (7%). Construction and demolition activities contribute another 9%, with several other minor sources adding to the pollution load.
In Rishikesh, road dust accounts for 40% of pollution, while vehicle emissions make up 17%. The high number of vehicles passing through the city during the Char Dham Yatra season worsens the air quality. Domestic emissions and industrial sources contribute 14% and 9% respectively. In Kashipur, road dust contributes 35%, while vehicular and industrial emissions together make up nearly 30%.
UKPCB Member Secretary Dr. Parag Madhukar Dhakate said that the increase in particulate matter—especially PM10 and PM2.5—is a major health concern. “PM10 mainly comes from dust, while PM2.5 is generated from smoke. Both are harmful to respiratory health,” he stated.
To combat this, the government has launched multiple initiatives including road improvement, green zone expansion, and mechanized street cleaning. Areas with high traffic pressure in Dehradun are being prioritized for greening efforts. Over ₹94 crore has been allocated till September 2025 to municipal corporations, the transport department, UKPCB, and the agriculture department for implementing air quality improvement projects.
Authorities say the impact of NCAP efforts is already visible — in the Swachh Vayu Survey 2024, Rishikesh ranked 14th and Dehradun 19th nationwide, reflecting steady improvement in air quality.
