Marmots spend most of the winter hibernating in their burrows, which need to remain dry and insulated from extreme cold and frozen ground. This behaviour suggests several possible relationships between marmots and permafrost.
The industrial sector in Bhutan has played a significant role in the country's economic development. Bhutan's industrial sector has been offering numerous benefits – employment generation, economic diversification, advancement of technology, and improving the living standards of people.
The Industry Census of Bhutan 2024 (p 20) has highlighted that the industries of all sizes collectively contributed 49.96 percent – or Ngultrum (Nu) 124.69 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023.
Despite the industrial growth playing an important role in Bhutan's economic growth, it has also posed a threat to air quality. It has become a source of particulate matter, gaseous emissions, particularly from cement, ferroalloy, and small-scale manufacturing units, contributing to pollution which could impact public health if not managed properly.
Realising the need to improve its air quality Bhutan has taken a step forward in its National Clean Air Action Plan (NCAAP) with the successful completion of the industrial sector consultation held on 29 October 2025. The Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Bhutan in collaboration with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) had organised the industry sector consultation.
This consultation gathered policy planners, scientists, experts, academia, industrial stakeholders and innovators to share insights on the status and challenges of industrial emissions.
The consultation focused on advancing cleaner production practices, enhancing energy efficiency, and strengthening emission control mechanisms across key industries, in line with Bhutan’s clean air and climate ambitions.
Regional experts shared their insights on industrial air pollution control and best practices. Exploring dust management, energy use, and cleaner production techniques in small-scale manufacturing industries, including Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), and understanding the social dimensions of air quality management in the industry sector were some of the key highlights of the consultation. In addition, there were interactive discussions on pathways to low-emission and energy-efficient production in cement and ferroalloy industries. The event sought to identify practical pathways for reducing environmental impact while sustaining economics progress.
“This consultation marks an important milestone in aligning industrial growth with environmental responsibility,” said Sonam Tashi, Director, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. “By working closely with industries and promoting cleaner technologies, we aim to ensure that economic progress does not come at the cost of air quality or public health,” he added.
The concept of NCAAP was formally launched at an inception workshop on 15 September 2025, in Thimphu, bringing together diverse stakeholders to establish a shared goal of improving air quality across the country. The NCAAP is being jointly developed by DECC and ICIMOD.
ICIMOD’s Air Lead, Ashish Tiwari said “Across South Asia, air pollution threatens the health of billions, undermines economies, and damages ecosystems. We commend the Royal Government of Bhutan for its visionary approach to planned air quality management – leading the region in clean air initiatives while remaining carbon neutral.”
This event also laid the groundwork for the development of an industrial emission inventory, which will form a scientific basis for policy interventions.
“Engagement like this help us understand how we can adopt cleaner production methods without comprising competitiveness. With clear policy guidance and access to innovative technology, industries can become active partner in country’s clean air journey,” said Singay Namgay Dorji, President, Association of Bhutanese Industries.
This initiative is part of Bhutan’s broader efforts to develop a robust National Clean Air Action Plan, which aims to improve air quality, protect public health, and promote sustainable economic development through evidence-based and collaborative approaches.
ICIMOD is working with its Regional Member Countries in the Indo-Gangetic Plain and Himalayan Foothills (IGP-HF) to bridge disparities in clean air actions by supporting robust national strategies, evidence-based policies, and actionable delivery plans.
Within this regional effort, ICIMOD is supporting Bhutan in its journey to address air pollution challenges with this work being carried out with the support of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), UK under the Himalayan Resilience Enabling Action Programme (HI-REAP).