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Source: The post is based on the article “Darjeeling to join the list of most polluted cities of West Bengal, reveals study” published in The Hindu on 27th May 2023
What is the News?
A recent study by scientists has revealed that Darjeeling may be on the way to becoming one of the most polluted cities of West Bengal.
About the study
The present study throws light on one of the geographically, climatically, and ecologically important high altitude Himalayan stations in India. It focuses on high-altitude tourist stations because in these areas people have been contributing as well as experiencing huge pollution loads but remained out of sight of the policy makers.
The research, spanning from 2009 to 2021, focused on characterising PM10 levels (very small pollutant particles found in dust and smoke).
What are the key findings of the study on High altitude tourist stations?
High altitude tourist stations such as Darjeeling in the eastern Himalayas would soon become a non-attainment city.
The six cities in West Bengal that are considered non-attainment cities and did not meet the national ambient air quality standards were Asansol, Durgapur, Kolkata, Howrah, Haldia, and Barrackpore.
Findings related to Darjeeling: For almost two seasons Darjeeling’s PM10 concentrations exceeded 70 micrograms per cubic metre of air, surpassing the Indian standard of 60 micrograms per cubic metre.
The reasons for pollution include a) dust transport from the Indo-Gangetic plain, b) coal combustion from eateries, domestic use, and c) the Toy Train, as well as d) other secondary sources.
About Darjeeling
It is a town located in West Bengal, in the Himalayan foothills. It is considered as the queen of hills and a popular tourist destination. It was once a summer resort for the British Raj elites.
It remains the endpoint of the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train,” completed in 1881. It’s famed for the distinctive black tea grown on plantations it its surrounding slopes. Mt. Kanchenjunga one of the world’s highest peaks is located in its backdrop.
