Kolkata's Air Quality Plummets to 'Poor' After Diwali Celebrations

Kolkata's air quality has deteriorated to the 'poor' category following the Diwali festivities, according to officials from the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB). The city experienced a significant increase in PM 2.5 levels, surpassing 200 micrograms per cubic meter in multiple areas.

As of Saturday morning, November 1, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached alarming levels, with readings of 288 in Ballygunge, 210 in Jadavpur, and 219 in Bidhannagar. The AQI was recorded at 195 near Fort William, 183 at Rabindra Sarobar, and 179 at Victoria Memorial. A particularly concerning figure was noted at Rabindra Bharati air monitoring station, where the AQI soared to 333, classified as 'very poor.'

The pollution spike is not limited to Kolkata; major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Patna, and others have also reported significant increases in air pollution since Diwali. On the same day, Delhi recorded an AQI of 362 at 10:30 AM.

Despite efforts to regulate firecracker usage, including a ban on illegal fireworks, the aftermath of the celebrations has still led to higher pollution levels. WBPCB chairman Kalyan Rudra emphasized that while air pollution this year was slightly lower compared to previous years, greater public responsibility is needed to combat air and sound pollution.

Environmentalists have noted that firecracker use was rampant across various neighborhoods on the nights of Diwali and Kali Puja. Areas such as Dhakuria, Jadavpur, and Chetla saw significant fireworks activity from 9 PM to midnight.​