Kamarhati Air Quality Index (AQI) & Air Pollution Today

West Bengal, India — Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) and PM2.5

Kamarhati AQI Right Now

73

Category: Satisfactory

Dominant Pollutant: pm10

PM2.5: 37.22 µg/m³

PM10: 72.38 µg/m³

Last updated: 2026-03-24 — Data source: Google Air Quality API (NAQI). Live NAQI values load when you visit the page.

Kamarhati Pollutant Levels

PollutantConcentration
PM2.537.22 µg/m³
PM1072.38 µg/m³
O₃ (Ozone)23.43 µg/m³
NO₂22.7 µg/m³
SO₂3.71 µg/m³
CO418.71 µg/m³

Health Advisory — Kamarhati

Satisfactory: Minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people.

Health Impact — Kamarhati

Cigarette Equivalent: Breathing this air is equivalent to smoking 1.7 cigarettes per day (based on current PM2.5 levels).

Life Expectancy Impact: Sustained exposure at this PM2.5 level could reduce life expectancy by 0.18 years (AQLI estimate, relative to WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³).

Health Recommendations for Kamarhati

  • General Population: Acceptable air quality. Unusually sensitive people should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
  • Elderly: Minor breathing discomfort is possible.
  • Children: Should be fine outdoors with normal activities.
  • Lung Disease Patients: Consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion.

Understanding Kamarhati Air Quality

Kamarhati, a densely populated municipality on the western bank of the Hooghly River in North 24 Parganas, carries the legacy of West Bengal's once-thriving jute industry. While many of the large jute mills have closed or downsized, smaller industrial units, godowns, and recycling operations continue to emit particulate matter and volatile compounds. The municipality's narrow lanes, high population density, and proximity to BT Road - one of Kolkata's busiest arterial corridors - ensure persistently high vehicular PM throughout the year.

Winter months (November–February) bring the worst air quality to Kamarhati, mirroring the broader Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA) pattern. Temperature inversions over the flat Gangetic alluvium trap emissions from vehicles, small industry, and widespread waste burning. PM2.5 levels frequently enter the Poor to Very Poor range during December and January mornings when fog mixes with smoke. The Hooghly riverfront provides some ventilation, but the densely built-up eastern side of the municipality receives little benefit.

The monsoon season (June–September) offers substantial relief as heavy rainfall (1,500+ mm) washes out suspended particulates and suppresses road dust. Post-monsoon October sees a brief deterioration as Diwali fireworks and the onset of cooler temperatures mark the beginning of the pollution season. Kamarhati's air quality closely tracks Kolkata's readings, though localised industrial pockets can exceed city averages by 15–25%.

Primary Pollution Sources

  • Vehicle exhaust
  • Industrial emissions (jute mills)
  • Road dust
  • Construction dust
  • Waste burning

Geography: Northern Kolkata suburb on Hooghly River; jute and small industry area, dense residential, part of KMA

Peak pollution months: November, December, January, February

Frequently Asked Questions — Kamarhati

What is the most polluted month in Kamarhati?

December and January are typically the most polluted months in Kamarhati, with AQI readings frequently in the Poor to Very Poor range (NAQI 200–300). Winter temperature inversions over the flat Hooghly floodplain trap vehicular and industrial emissions, and widespread waste burning adds to the particulate load across the KMA.

What causes air pollution in Kamarhati?

Kamarhati's pollution stems from a combination of vehicular exhaust on BT Road and other arterials, legacy jute mill and small-scale industrial emissions, road dust from poorly maintained streets, construction activity, and open waste burning. Its dense urban fabric and proximity to Kolkata's northern industrial belt amplify exposure for residents.

Air Quality in Nearby Cities