Kolkata—our City of Joy—teems with life, culture, and history. But beneath its vibrancy lies a silent, invisible issue: the city’s air quality. It's easy to overlook the harsh reality of our atmosphere when driving around Maidan or taking in the windy evenings beside the river Ganga. Many of us believe Kolkata’s air is free from pollution, but the numbers tell a different story.
Decoding Kolkata’s AQI: A Reality Check
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an invisible scoreboard that measures a city's air quality, and Kolkata's grades do not present a favourable image. Alarming AQI readings have been found in several important areas of the city, according to recent data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The AQI ranges from moderate to poor (200–300), with winter conditions getting worse. Here are a few significant observations:
Poor AQI zones: Ballygunge, Fort William, Salt Lake, and Bidhan Nagar areas consistently record poor AQI levels.
On the brink: Jadavpur’s and Victoria’s air quality hovers between moderate and poor, gradually leaning toward the poor category.
Moderate: Areas near Rabindra Bharati University and Rabindra Sarovar remain relatively better, though not immune to rising pollution levels.
Even well-planned zones like Bidhan Nagar (Salt Lake) are experiencing poor AQI levels.
Why Kolkata's Air Quality Seems Better Than It Really Is
The humid weather and bright mornings of Kolkata might be misleading. Humidity holds harmful particles in the air, making it appear cleaner than it actually is, even though sunlight may clear certain pollutants by noon. During peak hours, the unseen pollutants you breathe might cause lasting damage.
The Health Costs We Can’t Ignore
The effects of poor air quality in Kolkata are no longer limited to occasional coughs or sneezes. The long-term effects are much more severe:
Increased respiratory distress: Asthma, bronchitis, and allergies are on the rise.
Weakened immunity: Regular exposure to poor air quality compromises the body’s defenses, making you more susceptible to infections.
Cardiovascular risks: Prolonged exposure to harmful particles like PM 2.5 and PM 10 can strain your heart.
And the increasing percentage of PM 2.5 in Kolkata's air pollution is among the most concerning factors. These tiny particles are not only pollutants but silent killers too. The rising number of respiratory issues reported in Kolkata could very well be tied to this invisible threat, making it critical for us to address PM2.5 exposure urgently.
Ignoring the AQI today might mean irreversible health damage tomorrow.
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Want to know more about Kolkata’s AQI trends? Visit trusted sources like the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Staying informed is the first step in protecting yourself from the city’s worsening air quality.
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BY DEBOPRIYA CHANDRA
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