Kolkata: For the first time in seven months, air quality in parts of Kolkata and neighbouring Howrah has significantly deteriorated, prompting concerns from residents and environmental authorities. This decline in air quality was observed starting Wednesday and continued through Thursday.
According to an official from the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB), the change in weather conditions is primarily responsible for the poor air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) at the automated monitoring station at Rabindra Bharati University in north Kolkata reached 257 (PM 2.5) at 11 am on Thursday. The previous day, the AQI was 268 (PM 2.5) around the same time, indicating consistently poor air quality.
The official explained that the retreat of the monsoon and the onset of winter contribute to fine particulates lingering in the air, causing the AQI to rise. An AQI between 201-300 is considered poor by environmental standards. This is the first time since the lockdown that air quality has reached this level in these areas.
In Howrah, specifically in Ghusuri, the AQI was recorded at 241 (PM 2.5) on Thursday. This area typically experiences a spike in air pollution from October to March due to its congested neighbourhoods and numerous foundries.
Other areas in Kolkata have also seen elevated AQI levels, although they remain within the moderate range of 100-150. On Thursday noon, the AQI was 143 at Ballygunge, 136 at Bidhannagar, 150 at Fort William, 157 at Jadavpur, and 138 at Rabindra Sarobar. On Wednesday noon, the AQI read 169 at Jadavpur, 201 at Fort William, 161 at Rabindra Sarobar, and 144 at Bidhannagar. Over the past seven months, AQI in these areas had not exceeded 100, typically remaining within the 50-70 range.
To address the worsening air quality, the WBPCB announced measures during a press conference last week. From November 1 onwards, these measures include spraying water from sprinklers at construction sites to prevent dust and pollutants from mixing into the air, and monitoring the burning of solid waste and crop residues, which significantly contribute to air pollution.
The recent spike in pollution levels highlights the urgent need for effective and sustained interventions to manage air quality, especially as the winter months approach and weather conditions exacerbate pollution issues.
