How Kolkata improved its air quality within 6 years
(Written By Adrija Datta)
Over a span of six years, Kolkata has demonstrated a remarkable turnaround in its air quality, transforming from one of the most polluted cities in the country in 2019 to being nationally recognised for its improved environmental standards in 2025.
This progress has earned the city the third-highest performance-based incentive from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
In 2019, Kolkata was listed among the Top 10 most polluted cities by the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
At the time, the city's annual average PM10 level was recorded at 100 micrograms per cubic meter.
Additionally, the annual average AQI at the Fort William green zone automated air monitoring station reached 343 in 2019 –categorised as 'very poor'.
In contrast, in May 2025, the PM10 level ranges between 47 and 50 micrograms per cubic meter, and the AQI stands at a significantly improved 73.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in a post on her X handle, congratulated the citizens and agencies of Kolkata for their collective efforts.
'Kolkata again shows the way! Grateful to the people of Kolkata for their support. Let's all – citizens and agencies alike – keep up the effort for a cleaner, greener city!' she wrote.
Mayor Firhad Hakim echoed this sentiment while outlining the initiatives taken by the state government to address the pollution crisis.
According to his X post, a multi-pronged approach was implemented to achieve these results.
Measures included stringent and immediate actions for solid waste management, deployment of water sprinklers and mist cannons, mandatory use of scaffolding nets at construction sites, and the phasing out of older vehicles in favour of electric alternatives by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and the State Transport Department.
Other steps included the commitment to plant one crore saplings, installation of a dedicated construction and demolition waste processing plant, and continuous surveillance over polluting industries within the city.
As part of the Central Government's urban air quality initiative, a total grant of Rs 21.02 crore was released to West Bengal in May.
Of this, Rs 15.78 crore was allocated to Kolkata, while Asansol received Rs 5.24 crore.
'We left no stone unturned to improve the AQI of Kolkata,' Mayor Hakim stated. 'However, the battle is still on, and I appeal to all the citizens to come forward. It is not only a mission of the Government but also of all the citizens of Kolkata,' he added.
(Adrija Datta is an intern with The Indian Express)
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