Kolkata continues to grapple with unsafe levels of PM10 pollution, underlining the slow pace of India’s urban environmental transformation.
Data sourced from a comprehensive four-year analysis by Respirer Living Sciences paints a mixed picture for one of India’s most densely populated metros: while numbers have improved since 2021, the city’s air remains consistently toxic.Kolkata’s annual PM10 concentration has declined from 111.5 µg/m³ in 2021 to 91.6 µg/m³ in 2024. However, these figures still exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) limit of 60 µg/m³ by a troubling margin. Even during summer, when air quality typically benefits from improved atmospheric dispersion, the city failed to meet the national benchmark — challenging the perception that warmer months bring relief from particulate pollution.
Experts view the trend as an early indication of policy impact, yet warn against complacency. “The direction is positive, but the progress is far from satisfactory,” noted an environmental researcher associated with the study.
“Marginal gains should not be mistaken for clean air, especially when every part of the city remains above permissible PM10 levels.”A granular analysis of individual monitoring stations across Kolkata reveals the widespread nature of the crisis. While Rabindra Bharati University registered a notable drop in PM10 — from 146.4 µg/m³ in 2021 to 86.7 µg/m³ in 2024 — other critical locations like Victoria Memorial (102.9 µg/m³), Fort William (100.2 µg/m³), and Jadavpur (93.8 µg/m³) continue to record levels that breach national safety thresholds. Even traditionally quieter residential zones such as Rabindra Sarobar (71.0 µg/m³) and Ballygunge (96.8 µg/m³) are far from safe.What sets Kolkata apart from many other Indian cities is its consistent downward trend in PM10 levels, shared only with a few metros like Mumbai and Hyderabad. The improvement is attributed to a mix of localised interventions — including enhanced public transport, better construction dust management, increased green coverage, and stricter industrial and vehicular emission controls.
In stark contrast, cities such as Delhi, Patna, Chandigarh, and Lucknow remain mired in some of the nation’s worst air quality readings, with Delhi routinely recording PM10 levels above 200 µg/m³. Winter pollution spikes, driven by temperature inversions and crop residue burning, continue to exacerbate the issue in North India — adding seasonal volatility to an already dire situation.The findings have prompted calls for Kolkata to capitalise on its momentum and double down on sustainable urban strategies. The report advocates for sharper emission regulation along congested corridors, expansion of low-emission public transport, and ongoing investment in real-time air quality monitoring infrastructure.There is also a renewed push for integrated urban planning that not only targets pollution but also ensures climate-resilient, gender-neutral, and socially inclusive cityscapes. As India chases the ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2070, cities like Kolkata will need to lead the transition through a blend of policy, community action, and technological innovation.The air may be slowly clearing, but the path to a truly breathable Kolkata remains long. The city’s incremental gains serve as both a warning and an opportunity — a signal that change is possible, but only with sustained commitment and systemic reform.
Also Read :
