STATUS OF PARTICULATE (PM10) AND GASEOUS POLLUTANTS (NO2, SO2) IN THE TIRTHAN VALLEY OF THE GREAT HIMALAYAN NATIONAL PARK, HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA

The present study assessed the status of ambient air quality in the Tirthan Valley of the Great Himalayan National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site. After declaring UNESCO World Heritage site in June 2014 for its unique biological diversity, region became more famous for ecotourism activities particularly in Tirthan Valley. In view of increase tourism and allied activities, the status of pollutants like particulate matter less than 10 micron (PM10) in size, gaseous pollutants nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) was assessed. The present study was carried out for the period of 3 years from January, 2015 to December, 2017 in the Gahidharvillage of the Tirthan Valley. Result showed that the concentration of all the pollutants during the reporting period was found under permissible limit prescribed by National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), 2009. Study also provides the first ever baseline data of air quality index of the area which will be useful for the future studies including planning and sustainable development of the region.