In the latest analysis of air quality metrics for April 2024, Kolkata has secured the 12th position among 20 million-plus cities within the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP).
This revelation stems from meticulous research conducted by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), scrutinising PM2.5 concentration data sourced from Central Pollution Control Board’s real-time ambient air quality monitoring stations situated in the IGP. The Indo-Gangetic Plain, renowned for its distressingly high populace density, continues to grapple with the ominous spectre of pollution. Notably, Asansol clinched the second position, while Durgapur secured the fourth, reflecting the gravity of the air quality challenge across West Bengal.
Patna has emerged as the frontrunner in this disheartening tableau, leading the list, while Delhi finds itself in the fifth position. Conversely, Varanasi showcases a commendable feat by emerging as the cleanest amidst this sombre panorama. April 2024, however, witnessed a glimmer of hope with a tangible improvement in air quality, as indicated by 65 cities breaching the ‘Good’ category, a marked surge from the previous month. Conversely, the count of cities relegated to the ‘Satisfactory’ category plummeted to 150, with a concurrent decrease in ‘Moderate’ categorisations, tallying at 33.
Nonetheless, the shadow of concern looms as the tally of cities classified as ‘Poor’ registered a notable uptick, numbering six, while only one city found itself ensnared in the ‘Very Poor’ bracket, elucidated Sunil Dahiya, spokesperson for CREA. While Kolkata’s PM2.5 concentration registers at a relatively moderate 41 µg/m3, Asansol and Durgapur, at 92 and 88 µg/m3 respectively, persist as troubling enigmas for the West Bengal Pollution Control Board, compelling a deeper introspection into mitigation strategies. In this ongoing saga of environmental stewardship, stakeholders are urged to amplify efforts towards holistic interventions, steering the region towards a cleaner, sustainable trajectory. “There was some environmental mismanagement there,” said a senior WBPCB officer.
