Bhutan has embarked on developing its first-ever National Clean Air Action Plan (NCAAP) to tackle the country’s growing air pollution challenges. The initiative, supported by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), aims to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based roadmap to reduce emissions, strengthen monitoring, and protect public health.
Although Bhutan is globally recognized as one of the few carbon-negative nations, recent air quality data shows a worrying rise in pollutants. Studies indicate that the annual average concentration of fine dust particles, PM2.5, ranges between 30 and 38 micrograms per cubic meter—three to nearly four times the World Health Organization (WHO) safe limit of 10 micrograms per cubic meter. In winter, Thimphu’s PM2.5 levels spike to more than four times above the global benchmark, highlighting the capital’s vulnerability to seasonal pollution.
The NCAAP will guide Bhutan with a science-based strategy, addressing sources of air pollution, ensuring effective monitoring, and enhancing cross-sector coordination. Ashish Tiwari, ICIMOD’s Air Lead, said the plan will generate robust evidence on pollution sources, guide sectoral policies with clear financial allocations, strengthen institutional capacity, and establish a timely monitoring system.
While agriculture was historically Bhutan’s main source of emissions, officials from the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) report that industry and transport are now emerging as leading contributors. However, a major challenge remains the lack of reliable, nationwide air quality data. The NCAAP will focus on accurate data collection, sector-specific mitigation strategies, and improved institutional frameworks to address both domestic and transboundary pollution.
The plan will outline targeted measures for industry, transport, waste, and agriculture, while ensuring public health remains central to all efforts. Bhutan has already begun early-stage air quality monitoring in major towns and is focusing on reducing black carbon emissions from household energy use and industrial sources. New air quality monitoring devices are being procured to expand coverage, while the country has joined the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to enhance capacity in monitoring short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs).
Sonam Tashi, DECC Director, said: “With clear vision, targets, and sector-specific measures, the NCAAP will strengthen monitoring, tackle sectoral challenges, and serve as Bhutan’s roadmap to cleaner air, healthier communities, and sustainable development.”
Air pollution is not just an environmental concern—it is a major public health issue, causing millions of premature deaths globally from heart disease, strokes, lung cancer, chronic respiratory illnesses, and infections. PM2.5 particles are particularly dangerous, penetrating deep into the lungs, entering the bloodstream, and damaging organs including the heart, lungs, and brain.
Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are most vulnerable. Prolonged exposure can lead to long-term respiratory and cardiovascular complications, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
While Bhutan’s air quality remains cleaner than many neighboring countries, urbanization, industrial growth, and motorization pose new risks. Karma Tshering, Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, emphasized, “Through the NCAAP, we aim to safeguard public health, protect ecosystems, and sustain our carbon-negative status. Success will require collective commitment from government, private sector, civil society, academia, partners, and communities.”
The NCAAP process formally began with an inception workshop on 15 September in Thimphu, bringing together government agencies, technical institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders. Led by DECC with technical support from ICIMOD, the plan is expected to serve as Bhutan’s roadmap to cleaner air, reinforcing the nation’s reputation as a global environmental leader while advancing sustainable development.
Nidup Lhamo from Thimphu
