Discrepancy Surfaces Between Ladakh LG's Claim and CPCB Data on Leh Air Quality

NEW DELHI: A noticeable gap has emerged regarding the air quality readings in Leh, highlighting challenges in environmental data tracking within the Himalayan region. Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena recently cited Leh's Air Quality Index (AQI) as ranging between 1 and 25, pointing to the region's clean air, golden landscapes, and winter appeal.

However, records from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) presented a different picture, placing Leh in the moderate category with an AQI of 124 on Monday. This contrast points to a significant difference in readings reported by different sources for the same location.

When contacted regarding the figures, an official at the Lieutenant Governor’s office explained that online platforms, including IQAir, had displayed AQI readings between 1 and 25 during the morning hours. The official acknowledged that air-quality readings could fluctuate throughout the day.

Crucially, the official noted that Ladakh currently lacks a single Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) capable of providing continuous, ground-based measurements. The absence of such dedicated monitoring infrastructure makes it difficult to independently verify the exceptionally low readings cited by the Lieutenant Governor’s office or establish a comprehensive picture of air quality fluctuations.

The CPCB's reading of 124 places the town in the moderate category, diverging from the good-category readings referred to by the Lieutenant Governor's office. This discrepancy underscores wider questions regarding the availability of reliable, real-time air-quality data in Ladakh.

While Leh's high-altitude location and relatively limited urban activity offer a distinct contrast to pollution levels observed in major metropolitan cities, the lack of an established monitoring network complicates efforts to accurately track pollution levels throughout the day.

Commenting on the infrastructure gap, an official stated that reliable air-quality monitoring is particularly significant in Ladakh. As an ecologically fragile Himalayan region that is increasingly being promoted for its pristine environment and winter tourism, accurate environmental data remains a key factor for the area.

"This situation highlights a fundamental business and administrative challenge: the critical need for reliable, standardized data infrastructure. In regions experiencing growth—such as tourism-driven economies like Ladakh—accurate real-time data is essential for transparent governance and sustainable planning. Bridging the gap between online estimates and verified ground-based monitoring systems is vital for maintaining credibility and supporting long-term regional development." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes