Kolkata residents breathed a little easier this Sunday as the city's air quality improved to a moderate level, providing a welcome break from the severe pollution episodes typical of the winter season. Sunny weather and consistent winds played a key role in clearing the air, despite challenging meteorological conditions.
AQI Readings Show Local Variations Across City
Data gathered from monitoring stations throughout Kolkata indicated that the Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently stayed within the moderate band. Readings generally fluctuated between the low 100s and just above 200 in some specific areas. Ballygunge and Jadavpur recorded relatively higher AQI values, while localities like Bidhannagar and Rabindra Sarobar enjoyed comparatively cleaner air. This patchwork pattern highlights how local factors like traffic density and urban activity influence pollution levels.
Weather Patterns Provide Temporary Respite
Meteorologists explained that while an early-morning thermal inversion trapped pollutants close to the ground, conditions improved as the day advanced. Surface-level winds gained strength, preventing a dangerous accumulation of particulate matter. A weather official noted that "the combination of bright sunshine and moderate wind speed played a crucial role in dispersing pollutants." The absence of the usual winter fog and haze significantly improved visibility across the metropolitan area.
Public Response and Expert Warnings
The improved conditions drew many Kolkatans to parks and major roads, with numerous people reporting better breathing comfort compared to the preceding days. However, health experts were quick to caution that a moderate AQI is not completely safe. They specifically advised children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues to avoid prolonged outdoor activity, especially during the early morning hours when the inversion effect is most potent.
Environmental activists emphasized that Sunday's cleaner air should not lead to a sense of security. Underlying threats from vehicular emissions, construction dust, and seasonal biomass burning in nearby regions continue to pose significant risks to Kolkata's long-term air quality. Authorities remain cautiously optimistic that pollution levels will remain manageable, at least for a short while, before the peak of winter sets in.
