Kolkata’s air quality deteriorates ahead of Diwali

Kolkata: Kolkata’s air quality dipped sharply on Saturday, just two days before Kali Puja, with the air quality index (AQI) nearing the 250 mark in parts of the city, PTI reported. The West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB), however, said the spike was mainly due to weather changes rather than fireworks.

Officials said the withdrawal of the monsoon and reduced moisture levels caused particulate matter to linger in the air. AQI readings at Jadavpur and Rabindra Bharati University in Sinthi stood at 242 and 252, respectively — both in the ‘poor’ category.

The WBPCB clarified that reports of firecracker use were minimal and not the main reason for the rise in pollution levels. Meanwhile, areas like Ballygunge, Fort William and Rabindra Sarobar recorded ‘moderate’ air quality.

Environmental activist Somendra Mohan Ghosh expressed concern about illegal firecrackers entering the city ahead of Diwali, warning that the AQI could worsen further. Poor air quality (AQI 201–300) can cause breathing discomfort, while very poor air (301–400) and severe air (401–500) can lead to respiratory issues even among healthy individuals.