'Kolkata needs regional airshed to address AQI deterioration during winter'

A recent study has pointed out that Kolkata's air quality worsens significantly during the winter months, driven by a combination of meteorological factors and pollution sources from both within and beyond the city limits including vehicular pollution

Kolkata needs a "regional airshed" to address the burning of sharp deteriorations in Air Quality Index (AQI), especially during the winter season, according to the latest study report titled 'Designating Airsheds in India for Urban and Regional Air Quality Management' published in MDPI's Air journal.

The study, which has recommended dividing India into 15 regional airsheds, each tailored to the specific climatic and pollution patterns of its region, has also argued that the regional airshed management could help Kolkata mitigate the external sources of pollution and help achieve cleaner and healthier air for its residents.