Bose Institute study finds toxic metals in clouds over Eastern Himalayas and Western Ghats
A Bose Institute study highlighted by DST on 1 August 2025 found toxic heavy metals in non-precipitating clouds, with clouds over the Eastern Himalayas about 1.5 times more polluted.
Summary
Bose Institute, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), found toxic metals in non-precipitating clouds over the Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas during the onset of the monsoon, DST said on 1 August 2025. Clouds over the Eastern Himalayas had about 1.5 times higher pollution levels, with 40â60% higher loading of metals such as cadmium, copper and zinc linked to heavy traffic and industrial emissions. The team led by Dr. Sanat Kumar Das quantified carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks through inhalation, ingestion and skin absorption, using observations over Mahabaleshwar and Darjeeling.
Key facts
- Institute
- Bose Institute (autonomous, under DST)
- Regions
- Eastern Himalayas, Western Ghats
- Sites
- Darjeeling, Mahabaleshwar
- Finding
- Eastern Himalayan clouds about 1.5 times more polluted
- Metals
- Cadmium, copper, zinc (40â60% higher loading)
Practice MCQs 1 questions
Which institute's study, highlighted in August 2025, found toxic metals in clouds over the Eastern Himalayas and Western Ghats?
Show answer
Correct answer: D â Bose Institute
The study was carried out by Bose Institute, an autonomous institute of DST, with observations over Darjeeling and Mahabaleshwar.