The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Air quality in the capital remained well within prescribed national environmental standards throughout the month of August, according to data released by the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC).
Monitoring records from the Thimphu Air Quality Monitoring Station show that 24-hour average concentrations for both fine particulate matter () and coarse particulate matter () stayed consistently below legal thresholds across all 31 days.
Under the Environmental Standards 2020, the permissible 24-hour average limits for mixed areas are set at 60 micrograms per cubic meter () for and 100 for .
Throughout August, daily averages in Thimphu hovered far below these caps, with levels ranging from a low of 2.35 on August 18 to a peak of 6.46 on August 16. Similarly, readings fluctuated between 2.58 on August 9 and 7.05 on August 16.
For better understanding, if PM levels are within 0-15, it suggests good air quality that is within satisfactory levels, and carries little to no risk.
While real-time data for Thimphu is currently accessible to the public via an online dashboard, coverage remains limited.
An official said that because only the capital’s station is connected, the platform does not yet offer comprehensive national visibility. “However, the department confirmed that plans are underway to integrate the Phuentsholing air quality monitoring station into the public dashboard soon to broaden data accessibility,” the official added.
“The DECC is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy focused on regulatory enforcement, prevention, and control at the source. The approach includes tightening emission control systems and promoting cleaner technologies within the industrial sector,” the official said.
While recognizing industries as vital drivers of economic growth, the department highlighted the non-negotiable requirement for environmental compliance, backed by enforcement actions alongside the ongoing development of a national clean air action plan.
