Explained: Factors Fueling Kolkata's Air Pollution

Kolkata continues to grapple with persistently poor air quality, raising alarming health concerns among its citizens. The aftermath of Diwali and Kali Puja festivals left the city shrouded in air categorized as 'poor,' posing serious health risks.

Key regions like Ballygunge, Bidhannagar, and Jadavpur recorded concerning Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, with readings hovering between 252 and 296, as confirmed by a West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) official.

Rabindra Sarobar, despite being an eco-sensitive zone, breached the 300 mark during the day, underscoring the severity of the situation. This deterioration persisted post-festivals, with AQI levels ranging between 189 and 255 citywide during the festive period.

As the wintry conditions settled in and temperatures dropped below 20 degrees Celsius, cases of respiratory problems surged, prompting health advisories. An AQI between 201 and 300 triggers health alerts, while surpassing 300 escalates to emergency conditions, as emphasized by an official statement.

Somendra Mohan Ghosh, an environmentalist, voiced concerns, highlighting the imminent health risks faced by the entire population in the absence of weather disruptions like rain from depression or other weather disturbances.

The city witnessed a gradual decline in air quality over recent weeks, with AQI levels fluctuating between 160 and 220, exacerbating the existing air pollution crisis.

Multiple factors contribute to this alarming situation. The surge in industrial emissions, emanating from Kolkata's industrial landscape, injects a substantial volume of pollutants into the air. Concurrently, the exponential rise in the number of vehicles adds to the pollution woes, releasing harmful gases and particulate matter.

Improper disposal of solid waste coupled with its burning generates toxic fumes, further deteriorating air quality. Road dust from bustling streets and ongoing construction projects gets suspended in the air, aggravating pollution levels.

Smaller urban centers like Howrah and Asansol also grapple with poor AQI levels, illustrating the pervasive nature of the issue. Residents in these areas, similar to Kolkata, face heightened exposure to harmful pollutants.

A study conducted by the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI), in collaboration with the West Bengal Department of Environment and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), revealed startling statistics. Approximately 70% of Kolkata's populace suffers from respiratory disorders linked to air pollution. This alarming figure, coupled with historical data citing thousands of premature deaths attributed to air pollution, underscores the severity of the crisis.

Children in Kolkata exhibit adverse lung reactions and genetic abnormalities in exposed lung tissues due to prolonged exposure to pollutants. Individuals exposed to high levels of vehicular emissions, including roadside vendors, traffic personnel, taxi, and auto drivers, face a spectrum of health issues ranging from respiratory symptoms to liver impairment and genetic changes.

Efforts to combat this crisis include directives from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) urging departments to water roads, cover construction sites, and cease waste burning. The hope remains that proactive measures will prevent further deterioration of air quality in Kolkata, especially during the festive season.