Collaborative Efforts Urged to Combat Transboundary Air Pollution in South Asia

India has urged nations, particularly Pakistan and Bangladesh, to collaboratively tackle air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic Airshed. This call came during a meeting at COP29, amidst worsening air quality in northern India and fresh warnings about environmental losses from cryosphere degradation, particularly in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region.

At the COP29 conference in Azerbaijan, India called on neighboring countries, especially Pakistan and Bangladesh, to collaborate in addressing transboundary air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic Airshed. The appeal follows worsening air quality in northern India, with New Delhi's AQI reaching severe levels.

The conference, hosted by Bhutan's Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, brought together ministers from six of the eight countries in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region. The region, often called Asia's "water tower," faces grave threats from climate change-induced glacier melts, impacting water, food, and energy security for millions.

Officials highlighted the need for urgent collective action to combat environmental challenges. ICIMOD's Director General Pema Gyamtsho and Bhutan's Energy Secretary Karma Tshering stressed enhanced cooperation and policy coordination as crucial steps forward. Calls for international solidarity and targeted financing were echoed by leaders from Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

(With inputs from agencies.)