The situation has escalated to a level where Kolkata has surpassed Delhi in terms of air pollution, a rare and troubling development. On the same day, Delhi’s AQI stood at 299, making Kolkata’s air more dangerous than the capital, traditionally known as the pollution hotspot of India.
Experts are alarmed at the rapid rise in pollution levels in the city, particularly because Kolkata was not previously associated with such severe air quality issues. In 2019, Kolkata was ranked among the top 10 most polluted cities in the country by the National Clean Air Programme, but this recent surge is unprecedented.
Environmental technologist Somendra Mohan Ghosh has pointed out that the situation in Kolkata has reached dangerous levels due to a combination of uncontrolled pollution sources. According to his analysis, the four primary causes of pollution in the Maidan area are:
-
Continued biomass burning in the Maidan area, which releases harmful particulate matter into the air.
-
Dust pollution from the ongoing construction of the underground metro, where environmentally safe practices like regular water sprinkling to control dust have not been implemented.
-
Old, diesel-powered vehicles (over 15 years old) plying on the Mayer flyover, emitting excessive pollutants.
-
Coal and wood burning in food stalls and tea shops around the Esplanade and nearby areas, contributing to air pollution.
Ghosh directly attributed the crisis to government negligence, particularly the failure to control these pollution sources. “This situation is a result of negligence,” Ghosh said. “Environmentally safe methods were not adopted during the construction work for the metro, and there was no regular water sprinkling to mitigate dust. Moreover, the state government’s failure to regulate old diesel vehicles and prevent biomass burning in the Maidan has exacerbated the situation.”
He also criticised the lack of regulation around the burning of coal in tea stalls and food vendors, an issue he believes has compounded the pollution. “The government needs to take a tough stand. This is a very serious situation, and immediate action is needed.”
Experts suggest several measures to alleviate the dangerous pollution levels. Ghosh recommended the regular watering of trees surrounding the Victoria Memorial, which would help absorb dust, particularly during the winter months when pollution tends to worsen. This, he argues, would significantly reduce dust levels in the air.
He also warned of the potential consequences for public health, especially for vulnerable groups. The pollution is particularly hazardous for patients at SSKM Hospital, one of Kolkata’s major medical facilities, which is located in close proximity to the Victoria Memorial. The impact on the city’s heritage architecture, particularly the Victoria Memorial, is also a major concern. The long-term exposure to high pollution levels could cause irreversible damage to the building and other historical structures.
The residents of Kolkata are deeply concerned about the worsening air quality, with many expressing fear for their health and the future of the city. If corrective measures are not implemented immediately, experts predict that the situation could worsen significantly, further endangering both public health and the city’s environment.
As pollution levels continue to soar, the pressure is mounting on the West Bengal government to take decisive action to combat the growing crisis. Without swift intervention, Kolkata’s air quality could continue to deteriorate, with serious long-term implications for its residents, infrastructure, and heritage.