Srinagar records 39% drop in PM10
Srinagar, Feb 17: Srinagar’s annual average PM10 levels have fallen by 39% under the National Clean Air Programme, while Jammu and major tourist destinations remain in the “satisfactory” air quality range, the Jammu and Kashmir government told the Assembly.
Replying to Starred A.Q. No. 1235 by MLA Ranbir Singh Pathania, the Minister of Forest, Ecology and Environment, Javed Rana said Srinagar’s baseline annual average PM10 concentration of 132 micrograms per cubic meter in 2018–19 has declined to 81 µg/m³ in 2024–25.
The reduction “indicates measurable improvement in coarse particulate matter pollution in the city over the period of NCAP implementation,” the reply said, adding that continued policy focus remains necessary.
Annual average Air Quality Index (AQI) figures tabled in the House show Jammu’s AQI improved from 99.69 in 2024 to 89.95 in 2025. Srinagar’s AQI declined from 102.61 in 2024 to 94.75 in 2025, shifting from the “moderate” to the “satisfactory” category.
Among tourist destinations, Gulmarg recorded an AQI of 54.75 in 2025, Pahalgam 64, Sonamarg 61.83 and Patnitop 46.95.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi axis recorded 63.03 in 2024 and 64.51 in 2025. Under the classification cited in the reply, an AQI of 0–50 is “normal,” 51–100 “satisfactory,” 101–200 “moderate,” 201–300 “poor,” 301–400 “very poor” and 401–500 “severe.”
A source apportionment study for Jammu attributed 22% of pollution to secondary inorganic aerosols, 16% to roadside dust and 7% to light motor vehicles.
For Srinagar, where a study is in progress, contributors were listed as re-suspended or transported dust at 14%, biomass burning at 15% and heavy commercial vehicle or high-capacity engine emissions at 16%.
Refuse burning was reported at 0%, unidentified or crustal sources at 2% and unidentified tar burning at 8%.
The department said Sulphur Oxides and Nitrogen oxides concentrations remain well below prescribed ambient air quality standards across monitoring stations in the Union Territory.
In Srinagar district, a Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station is operational at Rajbagh.
Two additional stations have been installed by cement industries in Khrew in Pulwama district and Khonmoh in Srinagar district.
In Jammu district, procurement for a monitoring station has been initiated.
Four sensor-based real-time stations are proposed in 2026–27 in Samba, Kathua, Pulwama and Anantnag.
Seventeen highly polluting industries are required to install online continuous emission or effluent monitoring systems under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
A moratorium has been imposed on new air-polluting industries in Khrew and Khonmoh. Brick kilns must adopt zig-zag technology under a Feb. 22, 2022 notification of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Closure orders have been issued to non-compliant stone crushers and hot mix plants.
Diesel generator sets between 61 kilowatts and 800 kilowatts are required to install emission control devices ensuring at least 70% reduction in particulate matter.
District-level monitoring committees have been constituted for Srinagar and Jammu to oversee implementation of action plans for non-attainment cities. Municipal authorities in Srinagar have intensified mechanical road sweeping, water sprinkling, anti-smog gun deployment and enforcement against construction dust and improper waste handling.
The government said a Union Territory-level clean air action plan is under formulation, while the revised State Action Plan on Climate Change is at an advanced draft stage.
