Now, Kolkata pollution level much higher than permissible limit

Kolkata, Feb 1: The Centre for Science and Environment has found that the pollution level in the city's air has crossed the permissible limit. The organization further recommended that Kolkata should start acting on emergency pollution control measures like Delhi.

In an analysis by the CSE, the fine particular matter levels are three times higher than the standard, while nitrogen dioxode levels are double of what is considered safe.

Ambient Air Quality is defined as the outdoor air in our surrounding environment. In fact, a report by CSE said,"CSE's exposure monitoring provides clinching evidence of the alarming dose that an average Kolkatan breathes on a daily basis in different parts of the city. It is 2 to 3 times higher than the ambient level recorded by official monitors."

Shockingly, the ambient air quality shows an increase of 61% in just four years from 2010 to 2013. The report said,"Application of National Air Quality Standards show that November onwards more days fall in the air quality categories of poor, very poor and severe which enhances public health risk. This requires pollution emergency measure that Delhi has started to enforce."

Anumita Roychowdhury, head of CSE's air pollution control campaign said,"Kolkata, while having made some strides in meeting air quality challenges, faces newer challenges. We have found that direct exposure to toxic fumes is very high in the city. It needs a technology leapfrog, scaling up of public transport, integrated multi-modal transport options, car restraints and walking for clean air."

The data has been taken from Central Pollution Control Board and West Bengal State Pollution Control Board and the American Consulate.

OneIndia News