KOLKATA – As Delhi grapples with hazardous air pollution levels, Kolkata’s deteriorating air quality raises pressing questions about its future. Though Kolkata has not reached Delhi’s alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) highs, its current AQI of 150-200 (classified as “very unhealthy”) highlights an escalating problem that demands immediate attention.
With Delhi’s AQI peaking at an unprecedented 700 in some areas this year, emergency measures were implemented, including school closures and a return to masks reminiscent of the COVID-19 era. The crisis has underscored the urgent need for sustained action not just in the capital but across the nation. Kolkata, while geographically distinct, faces its own set of challenges that could lead to a similar scenario if not addressed proactively.
Natural and anthropogenic factors contribute to Kolkata’s air quality issues, particularly during winter months. The West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) points to seasonal wind patterns that funnel pollutants from northern states, including Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, down to West Bengal. More than 40% of Kolkata’s pollutants originate from these regions.
Winter exacerbates the problem by trapping pollutants close to the ground due to slower wind speeds and temperature inversions. Pollutants from vehicle emissions, coal-burning industries, and even the burning of dry leaves and plastic waste further degrade air quality.
“Burning dry leaves mixed with plastic produces dioxin gas, a carcinogen and a major contributor to cancer,” noted a WBPCB official. Similarly, roadside eateries and slums relying on coal for cooking release harmful carbon monoxide into the atmosphere.
National and Local Efforts to Combat Pollution
Under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), Kolkata has made strides to curb pollution, with a goal to reduce PM10 concentrations by 40% by 2025-26 compared to 2017-18 levels. Measures include improved waste management systems, bans on biomass burning, and infrastructure for plastic and e-waste recycling.
Locally, WBPCB has introduced innovative solutions:
- Smokeless Chulha: Over 10,000 smokeless cooking stoves have been distributed in slums and roadside stalls to minimize open biomass burning.
- Dust Suppressant Systems: EV-integrated water sprinklers combined with dust suppression agents are reducing airborne particulate matter.
- Green Bioshield Project: A natural tree barrier spanning 780 km along the Bihar and Jharkhand borders is being developed to block pollutants carried by northwestern winds. Thirty kilometers have been planted so far, with completion expected in 7-8 years.
- Industrial Decarbonization: Air pollution control devices have been installed in thermal plants, cement factories, and steel industries, while government vehicles are transitioning to lower-emission options.
Why Kolkata Isn’t the Next Delhi
Kolkata’s location near the Bay of Bengal gives it an advantage over Delhi, a landlocked city severely impacted by stubble burning in neighboring states. The coastal city experiences milder winters and less pollutant accumulation due to its geographical conditions.
However, experts warn against complacency. While Kolkata may not mirror Delhi’s pollution crisis, the city’s air quality remains a critical concern. “Vehicular emissions, especially carbon monoxide, are deadly for human lungs and are driving cancer and pulmonary disease rates in Kolkata,” said Biswajit Roy Chowdhury, Secretary of the National Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS).
Role of Citizens in Pollution Control
Experts stress the importance of individual action in combating pollution. Reducing fossil fuel consumption, avoiding open burning, and adopting cleaner technologies are crucial. Awareness campaigns about the dangers of burning dry leaves and plastic, as well as encouraging green alternatives, can make a significant difference.
“We must be proactive,” Chowdhury emphasized. “For instance, standing near roadside tea stalls using coal for cooking negates the health benefits of a morning walk.”
Air pollution is a shared challenge requiring collective effort from government agencies, industries, and citizens alike. Kolkata’s geographic advantages should not lull its residents into a false sense of security. The current air quality remains a health hazard, with long-term implications for public health and the environment.
While Kolkata may not face a crisis as severe as Delhi, its trajectory demands urgent action. The air we breathe connects us all, and its protection is a shared responsibility. The time to act is now before Kolkata risks becoming the next cautionary tale in India’s fight against air pollution.