Kolkata has been identified among the top-performing Indian cities by the Central Government for achieving a marked reduction in Particulate Matter 10 (PM10) levels.
This milestone not only places the eastern metropolis on the national map for its sustainability strides but also exemplifies the impact of coordinated civic engagement and proactive governance in combatting urban air pollution. The recognition comes as part of a broader initiative under the Fifteenth Finance Commission, which supports India’s Million Plus Cities and Urban Agglomerations in enhancing air quality. A financial incentive of Rs 21.02 crore was disbursed to West Bengal, with Kolkata receiving the lion’s share of Rs 15.78 crore. Asansol, the second city from the state recognised under this scheme, received Rs 5.24 crore.
The grant was conferred in acknowledgment of Kolkata’s demonstrable progress in reducing airborne pollutants, particularly PM10—fine inhalable particles that pose serious health risks. According to senior civic officials, the achievement follows sustained investment in greening infrastructure, stricter vehicular emissions regulation, dust suppression systems at construction sites, and a coordinated push towards improving solid waste management. The Centre’s air quality performance ranking reviewed data from several states, identifying 21 metropolitan regions that had shown tangible progress. Uttar Pradesh, with seven cities making the list, received the highest cumulative grant allocation at Rs 91.44 crore. In contrast, Punjab secured the lowest disbursement of Rs 1.54 crore. While states like Madhya Pradesh had three cities selected, most others had one or two. However, Kolkata’s inclusion among the top three performing cities underscores its exceptional efforts.
This progress is especially significant considering that just a few years ago, in 2019, Kolkata was counted among the ten most polluted cities in India under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Under NCAP, targets were set for cities to achieve substantial pollution reduction by 2024. Kolkata’s civic administration claimed that it has already fulfilled approximately 75% of the assigned reduction target—well ahead of many other metro regions that have reportedly struggled to meet even a quarter of their benchmarks. Urban development experts highlight that Kolkata’s trajectory reflects a growing commitment to sustainable and inclusive city planning. Efforts have included the expansion of green zones, stricter enforcement of industrial emissions regulations, and the integration of cleaner fuels in public transport fleets. Moreover, initiatives to monitor ambient air quality through real-time sensors across key urban pockets have enhanced data transparency and enabled more targeted interventions.
One senior urban environment expert remarked that this kind of recognition provides not just financial support but also moral validation for cities prioritising environmental health amid pressures of population density, construction, and vehicular emissions. “Cities like Kolkata are proving that climate resilience and economic growth can coexist, provided that air quality is treated as a public health imperative, not an afterthought,” the official noted. The financial assistance is not merely an award for past performance—it is earmarked for future action. As outlined by the Centre, these funds must be utilised for further mitigation projects, including advanced monitoring stations, electrification of municipal vehicle fleets, plantation drives, and public awareness campaigns. The grant also supports retrofitting of outdated infrastructure and adoption of cleaner technologies in urban services.
City administrators affirmed that the funds will be strategically deployed across high-impact zones, especially in areas witnessing high traffic volumes, construction intensity, or industrial discharge. According to them, the city plans to upscale its existing pollution mitigation framework, expand decentralised waste processing units, and invest in solar-powered civic amenities. There is also an emphasis on community involvement to build long-term behavioural change. Environmental advocates, however, stress the importance of maintaining momentum and avoiding complacency. While Kolkata’s progress is commendable, the gains remain fragile in the absence of sustained intervention. Given the city’s growing population and urban footprint, continued vigilance is essential to ensure that air quality does not regress during peak traffic seasons or festive months marked by open burning.
Beyond the environmental dimension, there is a public health angle that cannot be ignored. Medical professionals have long flagged poor air quality as a contributor to rising rates of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular problems, and reduced life expectancy. In that context, the city’s improved air quality is not just an environmental win—it is a public health achievement. Public transport improvements and last-mile connectivity through eco-friendly modes, such as electric buses and non-motorised transport infrastructure, are also key enablers of air quality gains. The city has already begun experimenting with emission-free mobility corridors, low-emission zones, and electric vehicle incentives, which officials believe will further bolster its clean air agenda.
The recognition of Kolkata’s progress arrives at a time when urban India is grappling with the twin challenges of climate change and rapid urbanisation. As more Indian cities aspire to transition into cleaner, liveable, and equitable spaces, Kolkata’s example may well serve as a blueprint. What sets the city apart is its ability to balance enforcement with citizen participation and forward-looking planning. In the coming months, civic authorities are expected to release updated targets and publish performance reports aligned with the Central Government’s clean air directives. Experts maintain that a data-driven, decentralised, and citizen-inclusive approach will be crucial to preserving and expanding the gains made thus far.
Ultimately, the recognition reflects Kolkata’s evolving urban identity—not just as a cultural and economic hub, but as a beacon for sustainable transformation in India’s sprawling urban ecosystem.
Also Read : Pune to Implement Metered Water Billing in 2026
