Kolkatas Air Quality Improves Following Rain, AQI Drops to 75

Kolkata, November 11 (Daily Kiran) : Kolkata has experienced a notable improvement in air quality following two days of persistent rainfall. The downpour has significantly reduced pollution levels caused by firecrackers during Diwali and Kali Puja, bringing the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) into a satisfactory range.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s National Air Quality Data Management System, AQI readings from major monitoring stations in the city on Wednesday morning showed satisfactory levels. Fort William recorded an AQI of 75, Rabindra Sarovar noted 73, and Jadavpur measured 72.

This change marks a substantial improvement compared to the AQI levels recorded on November 8 and 9, when the widespread use of firecrackers during the festivals pushed the AQI to alarming levels between 400 and 500, classified as ‘severe.’

Renowned environmentalist and green technologist Somendra Mohan Ghosh highlighted the significance of this change, attributing the drop in AQI from hazardous levels to the rain that fell on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.

Experts explain that rain acts as a natural cleansing agent. It settles fine particulate matter, particularly PM 2.5 and PM 10, onto the ground and helps remove various gaseous pollutants from the atmosphere, thereby reducing haze and improving visibility.

The improvement in air quality has brought relief to asthma patients, the elderly, and children. Residents of Kolkata have expressed satisfaction at witnessing clear skies after several days.

However, experts caution that this improvement may be temporary. They urge the public to avoid using high-emission firecrackers during winter and to adopt environmentally friendly green crackers instead.

Meanwhile, the weather department has forecast light to moderate rain with thunderstorms in Kolkata and several districts of South Bengal until Thursday. Clearing weather is expected from Friday, which may lead to a drop in temperatures across the state.

On Tuesday, Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 31 degrees Celsius, slightly above the average, while the minimum temperature was 24 degrees Celsius, also above normal. Relative humidity ranged between 63 and 95 percent during this period.