Kolkata's Air Quality Deteriorates on New Year's Day

On New Year's Day, the air quality in Kolkata was poor.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in different parts of the city ranged from 213 to 315, which is considered poor and can cause breathing discomfort.

People were bursting firecrackers in many areas from 11:45 pm to 2 am, which is longer than the allowed time of 11:55 pm to 12:30 am.

An environmental group, Sabuj Manch, said that the court's order about the time for firecrackers was not followed.

A pollution control official said that the fireworks were less than last year and stopped after 12:30 am.

The air quality is usually low in winter because of fog and smoke, which makes it hard for pollutants to rise.

The city also experienced colder temperatures, with the minimum temperature at 11.6° Celsius and the maximum at 22.6° Celsius, both below normal.

Many people preferred indoor activities like visiting restaurants and cinema halls due to the cold weather.

Experts noted that while New Year celebrations usually involve fewer firecrackers than Diwali, unfavourable weather conditions amplified their impact this time.