Politics · India · 3 hrs ago
Kolkata plans rose-scented mist spraying as air pollution draws criticism
West Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul says rose water will be added to Kolkata’s water mist on special occasions and festivals, including Kali Puja.
The city’s municipal corporation regularly sprays mist in locations where air pollution is relatively high, as part of state efforts to control dust.
Paul says the spraying helps reduce airborne dust, and she cited Kolkata’s air quality as a concern, saying its AQI rarely falls below 200 for most of the year.
Environmentalist Somendra Mohan Ghosh says rose water will not solve the underlying pollution problem and called for action to cut emissions at their source.
He urged authorities to address pollution from older vehicles and coal-fired cooking at roadside food stalls, and proposed using water cannons to wash dusty roads and other areas.
Kolkata’s average AQI was 165 on Sunday afternoon, a level classified as “Moderate” on the Central Pollution Control Board’s scale.
The minister says the city will continue its efforts to improve air quality, while Ghosh is calling for more direct pollution controls.
West Bengal Minister Agnimitra Paul said Kolkata will add rose water to mist spraying on special occasions, including Kali Puja.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation regularly sprays water mist in locations where air quality is relatively poor, Paul said.
Environmentalists criticized the proposal, arguing that pollution should be tackled at its source rather than masked with fragrance.
Environmentalist Somendra Mohan Ghosh called for measures including cleaner cooking systems and 100 water cannons to reduce pollution and dust.
Kolkata’s average Air Quality Index was 165 on Sunday afternoon, a “Moderate” reading on the Central Pollution Control Board scale.
- Who
- West Bengal Minister Agnimitra Paul announced the plan. Environmentalist Somendra Mohan Ghosh criticized it.
- What
- Rose water will be mixed into water mist sprayed in Kolkata on special occasions. Ghosh said the city needs measures to reduce pollution at its source.
- When
- Paul described the plan on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Ghosh commented on Sunday, November 8.
- Where
- Kolkata, India.
- Why
- The state government says mist spraying is intended to control air pollution and reduce dust. Paul said rose water would also spread a pleasant fragrance.
Agnimitra Paul
Somendra Mohan Ghosh
Purpose of rose water
Agnimitra Paul
Adding rose water to mist on special occasions will help control dust and make the surroundings fragrant.
Somendra Mohan Ghosh
The fragrance would be temporary and would do little to address underlying pollution.
Approach to air quality
Agnimitra Paul
The mist spraying is part of efforts to control pollution and improve the city’s environment.
Somendra Mohan Ghosh
Pollution should be reduced at its source through measures such as cleaner cooking systems and water cannons.
Paul said rose water would be added to mist spraying on special occasions, including Kali Puja.
Ghosh criticized the plan and called for measures to address pollution at its source.
Kolkata’s average AQI stood at 165, classified as “Moderate” by the CPCB.
- Minister
- Agnimitra Paul
- Municipal body
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation
- Rose-water occasions
- Special occasions, including Kali Puja
- AQI reading
- 165 on Sunday afternoon; “Moderate” on the CPCB scale
- Proposed water cannons
- 100
- Environmentalist
- Somendra Mohan Ghosh
What people are saying
Our goal is to build a cleaner, fresher and fragrant Kolkata. We will continue our efforts to make the city more habitable
Kolkata’s air does not need perfume; it needs cleaning at the source