Development of Bhutan’s National Clean Air Action Plan underway for greater safeguarding of public health and environment

Thimphu city on 14 September 2025. Image: Arti Shrestha/ICIMOD.

Thimphu, 18 September 2025 – The Royal Government of Bhutan has begun work to develop the National Clean Air Action Plan (NCAAP), a landmark initiative that aims to address Bhutan’s growing air quality challenges, protect public health, and reinforce the country’s global reputation for environmental leadership.

The process to develop the NCAAP will be led by the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR), with technical support from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

As one of the world’s only carbon-negative countries, Bhutan has long been recognised for its commitment to Gross National Happiness, and its environmental stewardship. Despite this, air pollution is on the rise in the country, driven by rapid urbanisation, rising vehicle numbers, industrial activity, residential biomass fuel use, and transboundary pollution.

Recent data indicates Bhutan’s annual average PM2.5 concentration ranges between 30–38µg (micrograms) per m³, consistently exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended annual mean measurement of 10µg/m³.

In Thimphu, wintertime PM2.5 levels have been reported at more than four times the WHO guideline, with a significant number of days each year crossing safe thresholds.

“While Bhutan continues to enjoy cleaner air quality than many of our neighbours, we are not immune to the challenges of urbanisation, industrial growth, and motorisation. Now is the time to act together and develop the National Clean Air Action Plan (NCAAP). Through the NCAAP, we aim to safeguard the health of our people, protect ecosystems, and sustain our carbon-negative status. Its success will depend on collective commitment from government, private sector, civil society, academia, partners, and communities.”– Dasho Karma Tshering, Secretary, MoENR.

“Air pollution knows no borders. While Bhutan has remained carbon negative and committed to sustainable development, it now faces growing air quality challenges. ICIMOD is honoured to support the Royal Government of Bhutan in developing the NCAAP, which will safeguard health and ecosystems in Bhutan while contributing to regional and global clean air goals. Bhutan’s leadership will set an example for regional cooperation and the universal right to breathe clean air.”– Pema Gyamtsho, Director General, ICIMOD.

The inception workshop held on 15 September in Thimphu formally began the process to develop the NCAAP, bringing together representatives from government agencies, technical institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders.

“We congratulate the Royal Government of Bhutan for embarking on this long-term strategy; the NCAAP is designed to be an actionable plan to generate robust scientific evidence on sources of air pollution and their impacts, guide sectoral policies with clear financial resourcing, strengthened institutional capacity, and a robust monitoring system for timely and effective implementation.”– Ashish Tiwari, Air Lead, ICIMOD.

The NCAAP will be developed through a consultative, government-led process engaging stakeholders across sectors.

“With a clear vision, targets, and sector-specific measures, the NCAAP will strengthen monitoring, address challenges in industry, transport, waste, and agriculture, and serve as Bhutan’s roadmap to reduce air pollution, protect health, and advance sustainable development.”– Sonam Tashi, Director, DECC.

ICIMOD’s support is being delivered under Action Area: Air, within the Strategic Group on Climate and Environmental Risks, through the Himalayan Resilience Enabling Action Programme (HI-REAP), supported by the United Kingdom International Development.

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