Kolkata, October 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Kolkata recorded a significant improvement in air quality on Wednesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) falling to 98 under the influence of Cyclone Arnab. However, environmental experts have warned that the respite may be temporary, with pollution expected to rise during and after Kali Puja and Diwali.
The improvement marks a departure from the usual seasonal trend, when air pollution in the city begins rising ahead of the festive period. In previous years, Kolkata’s AQI had crossed 200 around this time, even before the widespread use of firecrackers.
Environmentalists have attributed the relatively cleaner air to increased atmospheric moisture and changes in weather patterns associated with the cyclone system over the Bay of Bengal. Frequent low-pressure systems and cyclonic activity have brought more rainfall than usual this year, helping suppress airborne pollutants.
Rainfall during Durga Puja also helped prevent pollution levels from rising at the pace typically seen during the festive season.
Environmentalist Dr Swati Nandi Chakraborty said pollution levels ahead of Kali Puja were considerably lower this year and described the overall situation as largely normal.
However, green technologist and environmentalist Somendra Mohan Ghosh cautioned that the improvement was unlikely to last.
“This is a temporary effect due to a high level of moisturisation, but this will increase sharply after November 6 and will continue till mid-March 2027,” Ghosh said, referring to the expected deterioration in air quality.
Meanwhile, sources in the West Bengal Pollution Control Board said a special team was being kept ready to monitor pollution during Kali Puja and Diwali.
Authorities are also expected to enforce restrictions on firecracker use, with bursting likely to be permitted only between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
The coming weeks will test whether the weather-driven improvement can withstand the seasonal rise in emissions associated with festive celebrations.
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