Air Quality in Kolkata Deteriorates to ‘Severe’ After Kali Puja Festivities

Kolkata, October 22: Kolkata’s air quality index (AQI) plunged to the ‘severe’ category following Kali Puja celebrations, as firecrackers were burst well beyond the permitted hours. Environmental monitoring agencies reported that both Kolkata and Howrah recorded alarming levels of air pollution late into the night and early morning.

Authorities had restricted the use of firecrackers to specific time slots in an effort to curb post-festival pollution. However, widespread violations were observed across several parts of the city, leading to dense smog and reduced visibility by dawn.

Environmentalists have expressed concern over the spike in particulate matter levels, warning of potential respiratory issues for vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly.

The West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) is expected to review air quality data from monitoring stations and may consider stricter enforcement measures in the coming days.