Southern West Bengal has emerged as one of the most polluted regions in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, while the ecologically fragile Sundarbans now face an increasing air pollution threat, according to a 25-year satellite study published in the journal Atmospheric Environment. The research, led by Prof Abhijit Chatterjee and Mr Soumen Raul of the Bose Institute, analysed particulate matter (PM) pollution trends across the Indo-Gangetic Plain, the Himalayas and North-East India between 2000 and 2024. The study found southern West Bengal, Bihar and large parts of Bangladesh consistently recorded the highest PM concentrations during the period.
Researchers said PM pollution in the eastern Indo-Gangetic Plain increased by 10–40 per cent during 2010–2019 compared to the previous decade. By 2020–2024, elevated carbonaceous aerosol pollution had spread across the whole of West Bengal. The study identified biomass burning and urban solid waste burning as the primary contributors rather than industrial or vehicular emissions. The report also warned that pollution from West Bengal is travelling towards the eastern Himalayas, affecting ecologically sensitive mountain regions. Researchers urged the government to expand the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to include rural areas and ecosystems like the Sundarbans.
In Kolkata, rising pollution levels could increase public health concerns and place additional pressure on urban infrastructure, healthcare spending and local businesses. Growing awareness around air quality may also push demand for cleaner energy solutions and stricter waste management practices in the Kolkata metropolitan region.