KOLKATA: The city needs nearly 29% cut to meet the annual average standard of 40µg/m3 for PM2.5, the national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS), revealed the latest analysis of air quality status of Bengal cities by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). PM2.5 is the tiniest particle in air, considered to be the most harmful for lungs.
The analysis of data further stated that Howrah needs 34%, Asansol 32% and Durgapur 50% reduction in PM2.5 level to meet NAAQS. However, the trend in average annual PM2.5 concentration shows a dip in 2020, which had several pandemic-linked lockdown phases.
