Kolkata, often hailed as the cultural capital of India, has seen a rapid decline in air quality over the years. The city’s charm, steeped in history, literature, and vibrant street life, is now shrouded in a thick layer of smog.
The city consistently records Air Quality Index (AQI) levels above 200-300 during winter, which falls in the “very unhealthy” range. In 2023, Kolkata recorded its worst AQI at 414 in January, pushing it into the “severe” category. But why has the air become so toxic?
1. The Traffic Chokes Us Every Day
“Kolkata’s yellow taxis, buses, and auto-rickshaws are iconic, but they’re also one of the biggest sources of pollution. Traffic has only worsened over the years, and the smoke from diesel and petrol vehicles lingers in the air.”
- Kolkata has nearly 4.5 million registered vehicles.
- A study by IIT Kanpur found that vehicular emissions contribute to 50% of the city’s PM2.5 pollution levels.
- Many older buses and trucks still run on low-quality diesel, releasing high levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5).
Despite introducing CNG and electric buses, Kolkata’s growing vehicle population continues to offset any improvement. Traffic congestion worsens fuel consumption, leading to more emissions.
2. Factories and Industries Pollute the Air
“Many old factories still operate on the city’s outskirts. When I visit my relatives in Howrah, I can feel the soot settling on my clothes. It wasn’t always this bad.”
- Industrial emissions contribute 30% of Kolkata’s air pollution.
- The leather tanneries in Tiljala and Topsia release harmful chemicals into the air.
- Brick kilns and coal-based industries near Dankuni and Howrah spew black smoke, adding to the haze.
The West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) has cracked down on illegal industries, but enforcement remains inconsistent.
3. Construction and Dust Make Breathing Difficult
“Everywhere I look, there’s a new high-rise being built. I’m not against development, but why aren’t builders controlling the dust?”
- Kolkata’s rapid urbanization leads to constant construction dust, which contributes 20% to air pollution.
- Unregulated demolition of old buildings adds fine dust particles (PM10) into the air.
- The Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, which has seen massive expansion, is a major dust hotspot.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recommended dust control measures, such as water sprinkling and covering construction sites, but implementation is lax.
4. Winter Smog: A Deadly Season
“The air in December feels thick. When I was younger, winter in Kolkata was about fog. Now, it’s just smog.”
- Temperature inversions trap pollutants near the ground during winter, worsening air quality.
- In December and January, PM2.5 levels reach 10-12 times the WHO-recommended limit.
- Pollution from firecrackers, burning waste at garbage dump, and wood fires contributes to the winter haze.
5. The Unseen Killer: Health Impacts
Air pollution has severe health consequences:
- 70% of Kolkata’s population suffers from respiratory illnesses.
- Cases of lung cancer, asthma, and bronchitis have surged in the last two decades.
- A 2021 study showed that Kolkata has India’s highest lung cancer rate (18.4 cases per 100,000 people).
- Air pollution reduces life expectancy in Kolkata by 6-7 years.
6. Is There Hope? What Needs to Be Done?
I don’t want to leave Kolkata. This is my home. But I also don’t want to see the city suffer. We need:
1. Stricter Emission Norms for Vehicles
- Phasing out old diesel-run vehicles.
- More CNG and electric buses.
- Stronger enforcement of pollution checks.
2. Industrial Pollution Control
- Stricter action against illegal factories.
- Regulation of brick kilns outside the city.
- Shift towards cleaner industrial fuels.
3. Construction Dust Management
- Water sprinkling at construction sites.
- Mandating dust covers for all new projects.
- Heavy fines for violations.
4. Expanding Green Cover
- More trees along roads and public spaces.
- Promotion of rooftop gardens and vertical gardens.
- Reviving Kolkata’s lakes and water bodies.
But instead of just complaining, I do my part. I refuse to add to the problem. I segregate my waste, ensuring that plastic waste doesn’t end up in landfills. I compost all my vegetable waste and use it in my rooftop garden, where I grow plants to improve air quality, at least in my own small space.
If every citizen took these small but meaningful steps, I truly believe Kolkata could start to heal.
Final Thoughts: Will Kolkata Breathe Again?
“I dream of a Kolkata where children can run outside without masks. Where the sky isn’t grey. Where winter mornings feel fresh again.”
We are at a turning point. Either we take action now, or we let Kolkata become another Delhi, where stepping outside means risking your lungs.
I refuse to give up hope. This is my city. This is our city. We deserve clean air. The question is—will we fight for it?
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