Kolkata, Dec 10 (LatestNewsX) – a striking shift in air‑quality trends saw the city’s pollution levels surpass those of Delhi, as hazardous conditions were logged overnight. At Victoria Memorial in the Maidan, the AQI climbed to 342, falling into the ‘very poor’ to ‘hazardous’ bracket, whereas Delhi’s figure was 299, classified as ‘poor’.
Experts now worry that this spike in Kolkata’s core zone is alarming, especially since Delhi has long been known as the nation’s pollution epicenter. Environmental technologist Somendra Mohan Ghosh blamed four major, yet unregulated, sources around the Maidan.
During an interview with LatestNewsX, Ghosh highlighted biomass combustion, ongoing underground metro works, the prevalence of vehicle fleets older than 15 years on the neighbouring Maa flyover, and coal‑firewood usage by roadside stalls near Esplanade bus stand. “It’s a result of neglect,” he said.
“We’re constructing around Victoria Memorial, but the metro authorities haven’t adopted green measures. Regular water‑sprinkling could settle dust. Likewise, it is the state government’s duty to ban old diesel vehicles on the Maa flyover; their dust sinks onto the Maidan, creating a pollution pocket,” Ghosh explained.
He went on to criticize the lax enforcement against Maidan biomass burning and the persistent coal and firewood usage by makeshift eateries, both worsening the situation. “The state must act decisively. This is urgent,” he urged.
“Sprinkling water on the trees encircling Victoria Memorial would trap winter dust and keep it from re‑emerging. Attention is especially critical because high pollution threatens patients at nearby SSKM Hospital. Moreover, Victoria Memorial itself is a heritage landmark that deserves protection,” he added.
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