Kolkata Sees Temporary Air Quality Improvement Ahead of Kali Puja and Diwali
Kolkatas air quality improves due to Cyclone Arnab, but pollution is expected to rise again with upcoming festivals.
Kolkata, October 28 (Daily Kiran) : Kolkata experienced a notable improvement in air quality on Wednesday, thanks to the effects of Cyclone Arnab. The air quality index (AQI) dropped significantly from the previous day’s high levels.
Environmental experts, however, cautioned that this respite may be short-lived. They anticipate a rise in pollution levels during the upcoming Kali Puja and Diwali celebrations. Typically, air quality in Kolkata deteriorates as the festivals approach, primarily due to increased firecracker usage. In previous years, the AQI often surged past 200 during this period. This year, however, the situation appears to be different, with pollution levels remaining relatively low.
On Wednesday, the city’s AQI stood at 98. Experts attribute this improvement not only to the cyclone but also to climate change factors. They noted that the cyclonic system in the Bay of Bengal has increased humidity levels, which, coupled with climate change, has altered weather patterns. This year has seen above-average rainfall due to frequent low-pressure systems and cyclonic activities, which have helped reduce airborne pollutants.
Rain during the Durga Puja festivities also played a role in preventing the typical spike in pollution levels associated with the festival season. Environmentalist Dr. Swati Nandi Chakraborty remarked that air pollution levels are notably lower ahead of Kali Puja, suggesting that conditions are largely normal.
Nevertheless, experts warned against assuming that air quality will remain clear. Green technologist and environmentalist Somendra Mohan Ghosh explained that the current improvement is a temporary effect due to increased atmospheric moisture. He predicted that pollution levels could rise sharply after November 6 and persist until mid-March 2027.
According to sources from the West Bengal Pollution Control Board, a special team has been formed to monitor pollution levels during Kali Puja and Diwali. Authorities are also expected to enforce restrictions on firecracker usage, likely permitting them only between 8 PM and 10 PM.
