Seven of the 12 air quality monitoring stations in Calcutta and Howrah recorded “poor” air quality on Sunday morning and afternoon, exposing thousands of people outdoors on the last weekend of the year to unhealthy air. ADVERTISEMENTFive other stations reported “moderate” air quality: Ballygunge, Rabindra Sarobar and Victoria in Calcutta, and Botanical Garden and Dasnagar in Howrah. According to the National Air Quality Index (AQI), “poor” air quality can cause breathing discomfort to most people after prolonged exposure. Even “moderate” air quality poses health risks, particularly for those with existing respiratory or cardiac conditions. The AQI notes that “moderate” air can trigger breathing discomfort among people suffering from lung disease, asthma and heart ailments.

Source: The Telegraph December 29, 2025 02:13 UTC