Unprocessed waste & open burning major pollution sources in city: Study

Guwahati: A recent study by the International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) and the Assam Pollution Control Board has revealed that approximately 65% of the 884 tons of municipal waste produced daily in Guwahati remains unprocessed, contributing significantly to pollution in the city. The findings were part of the Guwahati Clean Air Plan - Hotspot Action Plan, released on Wednesday evening.

The report identifies open waste burning as the most significant and visible source of pollution, with the city’s current infrastructure only processing about 35% of its daily waste.


This leaves 333 tons unprocessed, with field surveys estimating that 61 tons are burned daily, emitting around 122 tons of PM₂.₅ and 22 tons of black carbon annually. Additionally, the city's landfill emits over 5,600 tons of methane per year, posing a major environmental hazard.

“Methane emissions from landfill mismanagement amount to 5,983 tonnes in 2025, equivalent to 168 kilo tonnes of CO₂ emission,” the report highlighted. Since 2017, Guwahati has experienced persistent air pollution, with particulate matter levels frequently exceeding national standards, posing health risks to residents.

In response, iFOREST and the Assam Pollution Control Board have launched Guwahati’s first comprehensive hotspot-based Clean Air Action Plan. This initiative uses detailed ward-level mapping to identify pollution hotspots and develop strategies to mitigate pollution. Chandra Bhushan, CEO of iFOREST, emphasized the plan’s goal to meet existing air quality standards, stating, “The Guwahati Clean Air Plan is designed to do exactly that, in a comprehensive way.”

Prof. Arup Kumar Misra, chairman of Assam Pollution Control Board, noted the challenges faced by the city, including a long dry season, construction activities, and high vehicle numbers. “If people do not cooperate, it is next to impossible to control pollution in Assam. The Guwahati Clean Air Plan is a sincere effort, with iFOREST providing technical support, and we remain open to dialogue,” he said.

Guwahati, the fastest-growing city in the northeast, has a bowl-like topography that limits pollutant dispersion, exacerbating emissions from various sources.

The report indicates a rising trend in PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ levels between 2017 and 2022, with satellite-derived Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) analysis revealing distinct seasonal pollution hotspots.

High-density commercial areas like Fancy Bazar and Ganeshguri consistently show elevated pollution levels due to clustered restaurants and informal food vendors. Major markets and transport hubs, including Paltan Bazar and Bhangagarh, record high PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ levels linked to cooking activity and traffic congestion.