Severe Air Pollution Crisis in Kolkata and Howrah Following Kali Puja Celebrations: AQI Reaches Dangerous Levels

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Ghusuri, Howrah district surpassed the concerning level of 252 following Kali Puja celebrations.

Kolkata:

Air quality levels in both Kolkata and Howrah experienced significant deterioration on Kali Puja night as residents continued bursting firecrackers well beyond the permitted timeframe of 8 pm to 10 pm, according to environmental activists on Tuesday. These actions directly violated guidelines established by the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) and local police authorities.

A representative from WBPCB confirmed that the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 186 PM 2.5 near Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, while Belur in Howrah recorded an alarming 364 at 10 pm on Monday.

For reference, an AQI reading between 151 and 200 falls into the 'poor' category, 201 to 300 is classified as 'very poor', and measurements exceeding 300 are deemed 'severe'.

Padmapukur registered an AQI of 361, while Ghusuri, both located in Howrah district, exceeded 252 on the index.

In Kolkata's Ballygunge area, the AQI reached 173, and Jadavpur recorded 169 at 10 pm, according to the PCB official.

The Rabindra Bharati University monitoring station in the northern Sinthi area measured an AQI of 167.

Earlier readings from 8 pm Monday showed AQI levels of 164 at Victoria, 159 in Jadavpur, 117 at Fort William, 161 near Belur Math, 102 at Rabindra Bharati University, and 134 in Ballygunge.

Acknowledging this sudden increase, the official stated that comprehensive analysis of the results was underway.

Environmentalist Somendra Mohan Ghosh reported widespread and continuous use of noise-producing firecrackers throughout north and south Kolkata as well as Howrah since evening hours.

"High-decibel firecrackers were ignited everywhere from Kashipur, Sinthi, Jorasanko, and Maniktala to Kasba, Tollygunge, Regent Park, Behala, and Jadavpur. Both police forces and the WBPCB remained passive observers, failing to restrict the sale and usage of firecrackers," he claimed.

He further noted that conditions in Howrah were even worse, warning that authorities should prepare for further deterioration during post-Kali Puja celebrations scheduled for Tuesday.

Naba Dutta of environmental organization Sabuj Manch similarly criticized police and pollution monitoring agencies for their "failure" to enforce regulations, consequently exposing vulnerable populations including elderly citizens, ill individuals, children, and pets to harmful sound and air pollution.