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Ballygunge’s Air Quality Reaches Unhealthy Levels (AQI 152)
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Ballygunge, Kolkata, has surged to 152, marking it as “Unhealthy” per CPCB standards. This spike raises alarms for residents, especially vulnerable groups like children and seniors.
What Does AQI 152 Mean for You?
- Health Impacts: Everyone may experience breathing difficulties, aggravated asthma, and eye irritation.
- Key Pollutants:
- PM2.5/PM10: From vehicles and construction dust.
- NO₂/SO₂: Emitted by traffic and industries.
Top 5 Reasons Behind Ballygunge’s Poor Air Quality
- Traffic Pollution: Dense vehicle emissions in this commercial-residential area.
- Construction Dust: Unregulated real estate projects.
- Weather Trapping Pollutants: Low wind speeds and high humidity.
- Industrial Emissions: Small factories and waste burning.
- Festival Aftermath: Residual firecracker pollutants.
Health Risks: Who’s Most Vulnerable?
Doctors report rising cases of:
– Chronic coughing and asthma attacks.
– Cardiovascular stress in elders.
– Skin and eye allergies.
Expert Advice:
“Wear N95 masks outdoors and avoid morning walks. Air purifiers are essential.”
— Dr. Priya Banerjee, AMRI Hospitals
5 Immediate Steps to Reduce Exposure
- Use N95 masks outdoors.
- Run HEPA air purifiers at home.
- Avoid outdoor workouts during peak hours (7–10 AM, 6–9 PM).
- Plant air-purifying greens (e.g., peace lilies, snake plants).
- Report illegal waste burning via KMC’s helpline (033-2286-1212).
Long-Term Solutions Needed
Activists urge authorities to:
– Enforce stricter vehicle emission tests.
– Penalize dust-generating construction sites.
– Expand urban green spaces and EV infrastructure.
Kolkata’s Air Crisis: A Growing Threat
Kolkata ranks among India’s top 3 polluted cities (IQAir 2023). Without action, pollution-related diseases could escalate.
Final Thoughts
Ballygunge’s AQI of 152 demands urgency. Protect yourself today while advocating for systemic change.
For live AQI updates, bookmark our Kolkata Air Quality Tracker.
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