kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Kolkata has been honoured by the central government for its notable improvement in air quality under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), a recognition that has been welcomed with pride by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The award highlights the city’s successful efforts in reducing pollution levels and promoting sustainable environmental practices.

The recognition was conferred by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change as part of its annual assessment of progress under NCAP, which evaluates 131 non-attainment cities across India. Kolkata emerged as one of the top performers, showing marked improvement in PM10 and PM2.5 levels over the past few years.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to social media to celebrate the achievement, stating, “Proud moment for Bengal! Kolkata has been recognised by the Central Government for its efforts in improving air quality. This is a result of our consistent policies, strict enforcement, and community involvement. Congratulations to all the stakeholders who made this possible.”

She further reiterated her government’s commitment to sustainable development and public health, emphasizing that the welfare of citizens and environmental protection would remain key priorities of her administration.

The award was accepted by officials from the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) and Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) at a felicitation event in New Delhi. Senior civic officials credited the city’s success to a comprehensive approach involving strict vehicle emission regulations, promotion of electric mobility, crackdown on industrial pollutants, and large-scale tree plantation drives across the city.

Over the past few years, Kolkata has implemented a number of targeted measures to control air pollution. These include phasing out old diesel-powered commercial vehicles, modernizing public transport with cleaner fuels, enhancing surveillance on industrial emissions, and constructing more green corridors. The introduction of electric buses and e-rickshaws has also contributed to the reduction in vehicular emissions.

The West Bengal government, under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, has also emphasized community engagement and awareness campaigns. Local citizens were involved in eco-friendly drives, with schools and colleges participating in cleanliness and plantation initiatives.

Environmental experts have praised the city’s progress, pointing to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) that shows a consistent dip in particulate matter levels over the last three years. Though pollution remains a challenge—especially during the winter months—Kolkata’s progress is being viewed as a successful case of coordinated urban environmental management.

Reacting to the recognition, Dr. Subhendu Roy, a senior environmental scientist in the state, said, “This award is not just symbolic. It validates years of data-backed policy implementation. Kolkata’s model shows that even densely populated and traffic-heavy cities can achieve measurable gains with the right approach.”

Opposition leaders, while welcoming the recognition, also cautioned against complacency. They highlighted areas such as illegal construction, open waste burning, and unregulated diesel generators as persistent threats to the city’s air quality and called for continuous monitoring.

Nonetheless, the recognition is being seen as a political and administrative victory for the Mamata Banerjee-led government, especially at a time when environmental issues are gaining increasing traction among urban voters. It also positions Kolkata as a leading example of climate-conscious urban governance in India.

The central government, under NCAP, has also announced financial grants and additional support to the top-performing cities to further their air quality management initiatives. Kolkata is now expected to receive funds to expand its network of air quality monitoring stations and to invest in advanced pollution control technologies.

With Mamata Banerjee’s active endorsement and the city’s improved performance, Kolkata’s journey toward a cleaner, healthier environment continues to gain national recognition and local momentum.