Agartala, January 30, 2026: A groundbreaking report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has spotlighted Assam and Tripura as persistent air pollution hotspots, revealing alarming levels of PM2.5 concentrations across seasons. Using a novel machine learning algorithm that integrates ground-level air quality data with satellite-based remote sensing, the study offers a granular, population-weighted assessment of India’s air pollution landscape.

While most of India experiences a seasonal dip in PM2.5 levels during the monsoon due to atmospheric cleansing, the Assam–Tripura airshed remains an exception. The report finds that both states maintain elevated PM2.5 concentrations year-round, with a swift return to non-compliance post-monsoon. This pattern underscores that persistent baseline emissions—not meteorological factors—are driving the pollution crisis.

Assam and Tripura are among a handful of states where every monitored district exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in all seasons except monsoon. Even during the monsoon, when air quality typically improves nationwide, Assam recorded 21 districts and Tripura six districts breaching PM2.5 norms—highlighting the inadequacy of seasonal relief.

The report identifies a troubling regional clustering of severe pollution. Assam (11 districts) and Tripura (3 districts) feature prominently among the top 50 most polluted districts in India. Assam’s presence in the top five across winter, summer, and monsoon seasons further cements its status as a year-round pollution epicenter.

Beyond Assam and Tripura, other northeastern states such as Meghalaya and Nagaland also show universal or near-universal non-compliance. Average PM2.5 concentrations in Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh all exceed the NAAQS threshold, painting a grim picture of air quality across eastern India.

The findings call for urgent, region-specific interventions. The Northeast’s unique pollution profile—marked by consistent exceedance and limited seasonal reprieve—demands targeted policy responses, robust emission control strategies, and enhanced monitoring infrastructure.

CREA’s report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and citizens alike, urging a shift in focus from city-centric pollution control to broader airshed-level governance.