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What causes air pollution in Kolkata?
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Kolkata
Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata, India.
Air pollution in Kolkata has increased significantly since the early 1950s, driven primarily by three main sources:
- Industrial Activity: Thermal-generating stations that burn coal are a major contributor to the city's atmospheric pollution.1
- Motor Vehicles: Emissions from automobiles are a primary cause of poor air quality in the city.1
- Power Generation: The reliance on coal-based thermal power plants contributes to the release of pollutants into the atmosphere.1
While these factors drive pollution, the city's climate plays a dual role. During the winter months, thick blankets of smog can reduce visibility in the evenings. Conversely, the seasonal monsoons act as natural cleansing agents, as the rain-bearing winds bring in fresh air masses that help mitigate atmospheric pollution.1