ARIES study finds remote Himalayan site Munsyari shifting from clean to polluted air
DST said on 17 June 2026 that researchers from ARIES measured non-methane hydrocarbons at Munsyari for a year and found even remote Himalayan air is affected by pollution.
Summary
Researchers from the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, measured non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) for a year (2022â2023) at Munsyari, a high-altitude Himalayan tourist destination, DST said on 17 June 2026. NMHC levels were lower in winter and the monsoon and much higher in spring and autumn, with fuel use (LPG and diesel), vehicle emissions and local construction as the main contributors. Aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene and xylene contributed strongly to forming secondary pollutants like ozone.
Key facts
- Institute
- ARIES, autonomous institute of DST
- Site
- Munsyari, high-altitude Himalayan tourist destination
- Period
- One year, 2022â2023
- Pollutants
- Non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs)
- Seasonality
- Low in winter and monsoon; high in spring and autumn
- Main sources
- LPG and diesel use, vehicles, local construction
- Ozone formers
- Benzene and xylene
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Researchers from which DST institute measured non-methane hydrocarbons at Munsyari in the Himalaya for a study released in June 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B â Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)
The study was by researchers from ARIES, an autonomous institute of DST.
Consider the following findings of the ARIES study at Munsyari: 1. NMHC levels were significantly higher during spring and autumn than in winter and the monsoon. 2. Aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene and xylene contributed strongly to ozone formation. 3. Forest fires were identified as the only dominant source of NMHCs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D â 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: fuel use (LPG and diesel), vehicular emissions and local construction were the dominant contributors.