Asansol’s AQI in ‘Very Poor’, Durgapur records moderate levels during Diwali
The Statesman | 24 October 2025In the Mahabir Colliery area of Raniganj, the AQI was recorded at 203, followed by 201 at Asansol Court area and 163 at Evelyn Lodge area. Local residents complained that not only had air pollution risen sharply, but noise pollution had also increased due to the rampant bursting of high-decibel firecrackers. Patients suffering from sulphur allergies reportedly required oxygen support.
Meanwhile, Durgapur’s AQI was measured at 145, which falls under the “moderate” category. In the PCBL residential area, the AQI stood at 135, at the Women’s College City Centre area it was 122, and in the Mohishkapur B-Zone area it was 145.
Despite various measures undertaken by the district civic authorities and the West Bengal Pollution Control Board in the Asansol–Durgapur region, the air pollution level has remained very high due to the indiscriminate bursting of firecrackers over the past three days. Breathing in Asansol’s air has become increasingly difficult.
“The number of infants and children suffering from asthma and other respiratory ailments has increased due to high air pollution during the Diwali and Kali Puja festive season in the Asansol–Durgapur belt,” said paediatrician Dr Dibyendu Chakraborty.
Both Asansol and Durgapur are major industrial hubs of the state, housing large manufacturing units and coal mines. The numerous small and medium-scale industries, along with brick kilns, contribute significantly to air pollution. Additionally, waste burning and vehicular emissions further degrade air quality.
Experts warn that such high pollution levels in the urban areas of West Burdwan district are leading to an increase in respiratory and cardiovascular ailments, particularly among children and the elderly.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is calculated based on the average concentration of six major pollutants in the air — PM2.5, PM10, ozone, sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO).
In Mahabir Colliery area, PM2.5 was found to be the highest contributor to the AQI level of 203. PM10 levels were satisfactory, while other pollutants remained within normal limits.
AQI Health Impact Scale:
0–50 → Good
51–100 → Satisfactory
101–150 → Moderate
151–200 → Poor
201–300 → Very Poor
301–400 → Severe
