The study found that pollution originating from Karnataka accounts for 47% of the pollution contribution among the five South Indian States analysed.
| Photo Credit: ALLEN EGENUSE J.
The study titled ‘Governance Framework for Airshed-Level Air Quality Management in South India’, which quantifies the contribution of the five South Indian States to each other’s pollution levels, has revealed that pollution originating from Telangana (38%) is the lowest, followed by Andhra Pradesh (44%), Karnataka (47%), Tamil Nadu (61%) and Kerala (65%).
As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, major urban regions in South India exceed the recommended annual average particulate matter (PM10). Recognising this, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) classifies 25 cities in South India as non-attainment cities (cities that fail to meet the official national ambient air quality standards for PM).
“The study found that 38%-65% of the annual average pollution in each of these States originates locally from South Indian States,” CSTEP said. It further added that unlike the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), State contributions to air pollution in South India vary with prevailing meteorological conditions and geography.
Net contributors
As per the study, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are net contributors, exporting more pollution to neighbouring states than they receive. On the other hand, Kerala and Telangana are net receivers, receiving more pollution than they export, whereas Karnataka both receives and exports moderate amounts of pollution owing to its central location within the region.
The study also said that domestic, industrial, and open burning sources are the three largest local sources of pollution across all five States.
“Domestic, energy, and industrial sources are the three largest sources of transported PM2.5. Unlike the Delhi airshed (a geographic region where air flows freely and shares common weather and pollution patterns), South India has no pollution hotspot,” CSTEP added.
For better air quality management in South India, the study proposes the establishment of a body similar to the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas.
“The study recommends an approved fuel framework, which none of the five states has yet notified. It also seeks uniform targets for electric vehicle adoption and phasing out of older vehicles. The funds under NCAP and state action plans can be utilised for implementing these measures, as per the study,” CSTEP said.
Published – August 19, 2026 10:58 pm IST
