A 25-year satellite study has identified Bihar and West Bengal as major particulate pollution hotspots, with researchers linking the rise mainly to biomass burning and rural fuel use.

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• Study analysed pollution trends from 2000 to 2024 using satellite observations.
• Particulate pollution increased by more than 20% across Indo-Gangetic Plain and nearby regions.
• Highest pollution levels were recorded in Bihar, southern West Bengal and Bangladesh.
• North-east India and Himalayan regions also showed rising pollution burden.
• Researchers linked pollution growth mainly to biomass burning activities.
• Crop residue burning and use of biomass fuel in rural homes were major contributors.
• Organic carbon and sulphate particles increased nearly 50% during the study period.
• Pollution hotspots expanded significantly between 2000 and 2024.
• Hotspot regions now include most of West Bengal, Bihar and parts of north-east India.
• Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura also showed growing particulate pollution levels.
• Unlike eastern India, western Indo-Gangetic Plain showed declining dust pollution trends.
• Study warned that pollution from plains is increasingly affecting Himalayan regions.
• Emissions from Bihar and West Bengal are influencing eastern Himalayan aerosol levels.
• Researchers suggested expanding clean-air policies beyond urban areas into rural regions.
• Study also highlighted concerns over rising solid-waste burning in several regions.