1. Kolkata’s air quality worsened on New Year’s Day due to the extensive use of firecrackers during midnight celebrations
2. The air quality index (PM 2.5) peaked at 250 in certain southern and northern parts of the city after the midnight festivities.
3. The situation was reminiscent of the smog observed on Kali Puja night, indicating a decline in air quality.
Kolkata, Jan 01: The air quality in Calcutta took a downturn on New Year’s Day, primarily attributed to the extensive use of firecrackers during midnight celebrations, according to an official from the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB).
Following the midnight festivities, the air quality index (PM 2.5) reached 250 in some southern and northern areas of the city, reminiscent of the smog observed on Kali Puja night.
Although there was a slight improvement on Monday morning, certain locations like Ballygunge and Jadavpur still grappled with poor air quality, registering an AQI of 281 until 1 pm, as reported by the official.
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Air monitoring stations at Victoria Memorial recorded a slightly better AQI at 199, followed by 161 at Rabindra Sarobar and 152 at Bidhannagar, he added.
An AQI of 200 and above falls under the ‘poor’ category, while readings between 100 and 199 are categorized as ‘moderate,’ causing discomfort for individuals with lung and heart conditions.
The combination of firecracker emissions, winter particulate matter, and increased vehicular traffic in areas like EM Bypass, JL Nehru Road, Sarat Bose Road, and Sector V compounded the air quality situation for a few hours, the official explained.
With favorable weather conditions—breezy and sunny—average AQI levels descended to around 170 by noon on Monday, providing some relief.
Environmental activist Somendra Mohan Ghosh noted that the current AQI in the city was still comparatively better than the levels recorded last year. Exactly a year ago, AQI values stood at 314 in Bidhannagar, 319 at Rabindra Bharati University, 303 at Victoria Memorial, and 269 at Ballygunge.
