Anthropogenic Intensification and Emerging Air Pollution Patterns across the Western Himalaya: Multi-Year Spatiotemporal Case Study

Year : 2026 | Volume : 03 | Issue : 02 | Page : 7 25
By

Karishma Thakur,

Neha Singh,

Nirmal Kumar Katiyar,

Onkar Singh Nayal,

Maheshwar S. Thakur,

  1. Post Graduate Student, Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Himachal Pradesh Dharamshala, (Shahpur Campus) Kangra, Himanchal Pradesh, India
  2. Research Scholar, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Science, Central University of Himachal Pradesh Dharamshala, (Shahpur Campus) Kangra, Himanchal Pradesh, India
  3. Assistant Professor, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Bidholi, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Amity Institute of Applied, Sciences, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Himachal Pradesh Dharamshala, (Shahpur Campus) Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Anthropogenic intensification is profoundly impacting air quality within vulnerable mountain ecosystems, yet the availability of long-term, high-resolution data from the Western Himalaya is strikingly limited. This study provides a detailed multi-year (2020-2024) spatiotemporal analysis of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), ammonia (NH3), and ozone (O3) concentrations across contrasting anthropogenic settings—specifically, tourist influx zones such as Dharamshala and industrial hotspots like Damtal in Himachal Pradesh, India. Key pollutants examined include Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), and gaseous pollutants such as nitric oxide (NOX), ammonia (NH3), and O3, analysed across four seasonal periods: December to February (winter), March to May (spring/summer), June to August (monsoon), and September to November (autumn). The findings of this study indicate that the accumulation of PM10 and PM2.5 is higher in the low-altitude industrial area of Damtal due to emissions, particularly compared to higher altitudes during the winter season. In contrast, significant changes are observed in the enhancement of O₃ formation at higher-altitude Dharamshala during the summer season, which may be attributed to increased anthropogenic activity or photochemical processes. The lockdown period (2020) saw significant reductions in PM and gaseous pollutants (NO2, NH3, O3), underscoring the impact of human activities on regional air quality. Additionally, altitude and forest cover significantly influenced pollutant distribution, with Dharamshala’s higher elevation and dense forests contributing to better air quality compared to Damtal’s lower elevation and sparse forestation, which led to elevated pollutant levels, except for ozone.

Keywords: Airborne pollutants, anthropogenic, COVID-19, industrial emissions, Seasonal variation

[This article belongs to International Journal of Atmosphere ]

How to cite this article: Karishma Thakur, Neha Singh, Nirmal Kumar Katiyar, Onkar Singh Nayal, Maheshwar S. Thakur. Anthropogenic Intensification and Emerging Air Pollution Patterns across the Western Himalaya: Multi-Year Spatiotemporal Case Study. International Journal of Atmosphere. 2026; 03(02):7-25.
How to cite this URL: Karishma Thakur, Neha Singh, Nirmal Kumar Katiyar, Onkar Singh Nayal, Maheshwar S. Thakur. Anthropogenic Intensification and Emerging Air Pollution Patterns across the Western Himalaya: Multi-Year Spatiotemporal Case Study. International Journal of Atmosphere. 2026; 03(02):7-25. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijat/article=2026/view=254941

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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 03
Issue 02
Received 22/06/2026
Accepted 09/07/2026
Published 05/09/2026
Publication Time 75 Days

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