Kolkata's Air Quality Remains Poor Despite Monsoon Rains
Kolkata's Air Quality Remains Poor Despite Monsoon Rains
IN · Published Sep 7, 2026
Despite the monsoon season, Kolkata's air quality has failed to meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) benchmark for fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), Kolkata recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 23 µg/m³ in August 2026, making it the second most polluted among five major Indian megacities, behind Delhi at 35 µg/m³.

Impact & Risks

The elevated PM2.5 levels in Kolkata pose significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter can lead to respiratory issues, reduced lung function, and other long-term health complications. Despite the monsoon's usual role in improving air quality, the persistence of high pollution levels indicates that local emission sources, such as traffic, industries, and construction, continue to contribute heavily to the pollution load.

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