Archive · 2 Jan 2026
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.
Kolkata's air quality was 'poor' on New Year's Day with AQI levels ranging from 213 to 315.
Firecrackers were burst in various areas from 11:45 pm to 2 am, violating the court-ordered window of 11:55 pm to 12:30 am.
Environmental watchdog Sabuj Manch alleged that the court order was violated as firecrackers continued beyond the allowed time.
A WBPCB official noted that fireworks were less than last year and celebrations subsided after 12:30 am.
The AQI is typically low in winter due to fog and smoke, which trap pollutants.
- Who
- Residents of Kolkata and environmental watchdog Sabuj Manch
- What
- Poor air quality and violation of firecracker time restrictions
- When
- New Year's Day, January 1st, from 11:45 pm to 2 am
- Where
- Various areas in Kolkata, including Tollygunge, Garia, Kasba, Jadavpur, Behala, Narkeldanga, Beleghata, Sinthi, Bagbazar, Jorasanko, Bowbazar
- Why
- Bursting of firecrackers beyond the court-ordered time frame and typical winter conditions contributing to low AQI
Environmental Watchdog
Pollution Control Official
Firecracker Time Violation
Environmental Watchdog
Sabuj Manch alleged that the court-ordered window for firecrackers was violated as fireworks continued beyond the allowed time.
Pollution Control Official
A WBPCB official noted that fireworks were less than last year and celebrations subsided after 12:30 am.
- AQI at Jadavpur
- 315
- AQI at Fort William
- 235
- AQI at Victoria
- 255
- AQI at Rabindra Bharati University
- 227
- AQI at Rabindra Sarobar
- 213
- AQI at Ballygunge
- 236
- AQI at Bidhan Nagar (Salt Lake)
- 273
- Reported Firecracker Areas
- Tollygunge, Garia, Kasba, Jadavpur, Behala, Narkeldanga, Beleghata, Sinthi, Bagbazar, Jorasanko, Bowbazar
- Firecracker Time Frame
- 11:45 pm to 2 am
- Court-Ordered Firecracker Window
- 11:55 pm to 12:30 am
- Minimum Temperature in Kolkata
- 11.6° Celsius
- Maximum Temperature in Kolkata
- 22.6° Celsius
Sources
Kolkata’s air quality ‘poor’ on New Year’s Day
As Gurgaon partied, social worker Gauri Sarin and other volunteers welcomed the New Year with a 24-hour fast demanding a pollution-free city
Favourite spots see drop in reveller footfall, chill nudges merrymakers indoors - Telegraph India
Colder nights in Delhi this month, cold wave likely until January 5: IMD
Delhi AQI: Dense Fog Takes Over the City Amid Chilly Morning — Check AQI in Your Area and Flight Status
Delhi wakes up to ‘very poor’ AQI, cold winter day amid IMD's orange alert; airlines issue advisory due to dense fog
Delhi weather update: Fog blankets capital, airlines issue advisories, AQI slips to 386
Delhi Sees Dense Fog, ‘Very Poor’ AQI As Cold Wave Deepens; Flight Disruptions Likely
'Back To Reality': Dia Mirza Raises Concern Over Rising Mumbai AQI, Says 'City Swallowed By Smog'
