A study by Bose Institute, Kolkata, indicates that pollution from the densely populated Indo-Gangetic plains is increasingly drifting into the Himalayas, raising aerosol concentrations and threatening the region's delicate climate. The research, published in the journal Atmospheric Environment, analyzed 25 years of satellite data and found that particulate matter (PM) pollution in the Indo-Gangetic plains increased by over 20% from 2010 to 2019. Pollution plumes from Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi are affecting the western and central Himalayas, while emissions from Bihar and West Bengal impact the eastern Himalayas. Notably, North-East India saw a nearly 50% rise in organic carbon and sulphate components of PM due to intensified biomass burning. Researchers emphasize that the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) must broaden its focus to include rural areas and ecologically sensitive regions, as air pollution in these areas is severe and often overlooked. The findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive clean air strategies that address the pollution burden in both urban and rural settings.