COP29: India Urges Pakistan and Bangladesh to Tackle Air Pollution

India has urged Pakistan and Bangladesh to take proactive steps in mitigating air pollution during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. This call comes after Pakistan blamed India for worsening smog pollution in its territory. India highlighted air pollution as a shared, transboundary challenge, stressing the need for collective action among countries in the Indo-Gangetic Airshed.

A Shared Challenge in the Indo-Gangetic Airshed

At a meeting of Himalayan countries hosted by Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, India highlighted the critical issue of air pollution. Naresh Pal Gangwar, Joint Secretary of India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests, noted that several countries share the Indo-Gangetic Airshed. These countries include Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of Nepal.

Gangwar emphasized that air pollution is a transboundary issue. He urged all countries in the region to collaborate effectively. Cooperation is needed to manage and mitigate pollution that crosses borders. This issue affects the health and well-being of millions in the region.

The Indo-Gangetic Airshed covers northern and eastern India, parts of Pakistan, southern Nepal, and Bangladesh. These areas suffer from severe air quality problems, especially during the winter months.

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Regional Leaders Call for Action

Romina Khurseed, Coordinator to Pakistan’s Prime Minister for Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, echoed the call for stronger regional cooperation. She highlighted the importance of protecting the Himalayan region’s invaluable resources through increased cooperation, investments, and international support. Khurseed stressed that addressing climate change is a collective effort and not just the responsibility of one country.

Bangladesh’s Secretary of the Environment Ministry, Farhina Ahmad, noted that the climate crisis impacts the entire region. She emphasized that if countries continue business as usual, the environmental challenges will only worsen. Ahmad urged for urgent action to prevent further damage to the region’s ecosystems.

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Vulnerability of the Himalayan Region

Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay stated that Himalayan countries are already facing the brunt of climate change. He called for a unified vision and a collective voice to demand action. Tobgay urged his fellow leaders to do more to combat climate change and protect the vulnerable Himalayan region.

Nepal’s Environment Minister, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, also called for solidarity in the fight against climate change. He stressed that the region’s vulnerability requires a united approach to safeguard its future.

As COP29 progresses, the discussions about regional cooperation on air pollution and climate change continue to gain momentum. Countries in the Himalayan region, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, are working to strengthen their collective response to the urgent environmental challenges they face.