Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB) has raised serious concerns about the deteriorating air quality in Kohima and Dimapur, two of Nagaland’s major cities.
NPCB scientist Yanathung Kithan said this while briefing the inaugural function of awareness campaign on National clean air programme, held on Saturday, at Livingstone Foundation International (LFI).
Yanathung highlighted the ongoing air quality monitoring activities and revealed troubling data indicating that air pollution levels in these cities have consistently exceeded permissible limits.
He informed that for over a decade, the NPCB has been closely monitoring the air quality in Kohima and Dimapur as part of the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP).
The programme was organized by district administration, Dimapur in collaboration with Livingstone foundation society and Breeze Women Welfare Association (BWWA) under the theme “ Celebrating International Day of clean air for blue skies” with Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) chairman Hukheto Yepthomi as special guest.
According to Kithan, the state currently operates air monitoring stations across 10 districts, where air quality is routinely monitored on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for a continuous 24-hour period from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m. the next day. Following the collection of data, samples are brought to a laboratory for analysis, and the findings are sent to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on a monthly basis, Kithan added.
Yanathung Kithan mentioned that analysis of the data by CPCB has led to the categorization of both Dimapur and Kohima as “Non-Attainment Cities,” which means that the air quality in these cities does not meet the national standards set by the CPCB.
Notably, Dimapur, where air quality monitoring has been conducted for more than a decade, has consistently reported pollution levels beyond the permissible limit of 60 micrograms per cubic meter. In 2023, the recorded pollution level in Dimapur was approximately 98 micrograms per cubic meter, which is a cause for serious concern, Kithan stated.
He informed that Dimapur’s air pollution levels, instead of showing signs of improvement, have been on a steady rise. He mentioned that in Dimapur, seven monitoring stations are strategically located in both residential and commercial areas. The continuous upward trend in pollution levels reflects the city’s challenges in managing air quality effectively.
He lamented that Nagaland, a state with no major industries, faces significant air pollution challenges primarily due to other factors such as poor road conditions, road dust, burning of debris, and vehicular emissions. These factors have been identified as the major contributors to the declining air quality in cities like Kohima and Dimapur.
In response to the growing air pollution problem, Kithan mentioned that CPCB and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the “National Clean Air Programme” (NCAP) in 2019.
The programme sets an ambitious target to reduce air pollution levels in “Non-Attainment Cities” by 40% by the year 2026. Under this programme, various departments are assigned specific roles and responsibilities to collaboratively work towards achieving this target.
Kithan said that despite the central government’s initiatives, the success of these programmes heavily relies on collective effort and public participation. He urged all stakeholders and the public to work together as a team to tackle air pollution and achieve the targets set under the NCAP.
DMC chairman Hukheto Yepthomi in his address, stressed on the critical importance of tackling air pollution, describing it as “one of the largest environmental health risks of our time, affecting every breath we take and every aspect of our well-being.” He stated that air pollution has no boundaries and impacts not only health but also climate and economies, calling for immediate and collective action to combat this growing problem.
The chairman noted that while Nagaland is often associated with fresh air, green mountains, and pleasant weather, Dimapur stands out as an exception. He pointed out that Dimapur’s PM10 levels are above the safe limit, which is a matter of concern. He further mentioned that the problem of air pollution extends beyond Dimapur and affects other parts of the state as well.
Despite these challenges, Yepthomi expressed optimism about the potential to create healthier and more sustainable communities for current and future generations. He urged the Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB), district administration, BWWA, and other institutions to work collaboratively towards meaningful change through the clean air initiative. “The DMC stands with you all,” he assured, emphasizing the need for unity and concerted effort.
Hukheto Yepthomi called upon all stakeholders—government agencies, institutions, civil society organizations, and individuals—to take proactive measures. He advocated for collaboration to reduce air pollution, commitment to policies and practices prioritizing clean air, and efforts to educate and empower communities to make informed choices that protect the environment.
Highlights of the event include clean air pledge, clean air signature campaign, plantation drive, competition on various categories such as slogan, essay, science exhibition etc wherein more than 20 schools partook at the event.
Earlier, welcome address was delivered by LFS chairman Dr Andrew Ahoto Sema, special number was presented by LFI, declaration of inter-school competition was carried out by the special guest.
And later, vote of thanks was delivered by EAC, Dimapur Imlijungla Lemtur. The campaign programme will culminate on September 9, followed by valedictory and award ceremony.