Kolkata Air Worst Than Delhi for Week; Experts Demand More AQI Stations

December 16, 2025

Kolkata’s air pollution levels have remained higher than Delhi’s for the past week, raising alarm among environmentalists and public health experts who are now pushing for more automatic air quality monitoring stations in densely populated zones to capture real-time, accurate data on the city’s air quality.

Experts Urge Expansion of Monitoring Network

Environmentalists say the current network of only seven automatic air quality monitoring stations is insufficient to provide a true picture of pollution levels across Kolkata’s sprawling metropolitan area.

Green technologist Somendra Mohan Ghosh highlighted that most of the existing stations are located in less congested, eco-sensitive zones, failing to reflect pollution exposure in densely populated and high-traffic areas such as Moulali and Shyam bazar. He proposed that at least 20 automatic monitoring stations are needed to generate reliable real-time data citywide.

Without automatic stations in crowded zones, many areas rely on manual machines, which cannot deliver continuous, real-time readings crucial for timely health advisories and policy responses. Pollution Levels Peaked Hazardously High

The deteriorating air quality was particularly stark around December 11, when Kolkata’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached as high as 439 at 6.04 p.m., while Delhi’s highest that day was 345. In another measure later that night, Kolkata’s AQI was reported to spike up to 558 — significantly above safe limits for human health.

Particulate matter concentrations were also well above national safety thresholds, with PM10 reaching 239 units (against the permissible 100) and PM2.5 at 188 (against the permissible 60), levels that can lead to serious respiratory and cardiovascular health risks.

Health and Public Safety Concerns

The Paschim Banga Vigyan Mancha (West Bengal Science Forum) has urged authorities such as the State Pollution Control Board, Health, Labour, and Child Welfare Departments to take urgent action to protect public health.

The forum warned that continued exposure to hazardous air could lead to breathing difficulties, lung issues and other serious health problems, especially among the elderly, children, outdoor workers and people with pre-existing conditions.

Why Monitoring Matters

Experts stress that accurate and widespread monitoring is essential for effective pollution management. Currently, the limited number and placement of automatic stations mean that data may not truly reflect the conditions faced by residents in the most polluted parts of the city.

Enhanced monitoring would help policymakers, health officials and residents understand pollution dynamics better, allowing for targeted interventions and alerts before air quality reaches hazardous levels.Comparisons With Delhi’s Pollution Crisis

Although Kolkata’s pollution surge has drawn attention by surpassing Delhi’s AQI for several days, Delhi itself has faced severe pollution, with its AQI often in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ categories due to weak winds and winter smog. Authorities there have invoked stricter pollution-control measures such as bans on older diesel trucks and construction curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat hazardous smog.

What’s Next

Environmental groups are continuing to press for:

• More automatic air quality monitoring stations in crowded residential and traffic corridors.

• Timely public advisories and health warnings based on real-time data.

• Stronger pollution control measures during peak winter months when inversion layers trap pollutants close to the ground.

Authorities and policymakers have yet to formally respond to these demands, but the worsening air quality has sparked growing public concern and calls for immediate action.