Why is it in the news?
Study links desert dust plumes to spread of pathogens to Eastern Himalayas.
Associated with respiratory, skin and gastrointestinal diseases.
Category: Environment
Important Points:
● Study conducted by Bose Institute under DST
● Dust storms originate from arid regions of western India
● Dust travels across Indo-Gangetic Plain to Himalayan hilltops
● Pathogens transported through long-range horizontal movement
● Vertical uplift of polluted air from foothills intensifies impact
● Alters atmospheric bacterial community at high altitude
● Linked to public health risks in cold, low-oxygen Himalayan environment