Blessing in Disguise in the Megacities: Environmental Co-benefits in Air Quality Amid Covid-19 Lockdown in Kolkata

Rajendra, Kushagra; Yadav, Namita; Chakraborty, Dipanjana

Kolkata is the third-most populous metropolitan area in India after Delhi and Mumbai, known as eastern India’s cultural, educational, and commercial centre. It is the 2nd furthermost polluted city in India with a yearly average of 59.8 µg/m(3) PM(2.5) concentrations (IQAir 2019). Kolkata recorded the highest AQI (191) from 12–19 March 2020 & the lowermost (33) on 23–24 March 2020. This is happened due to the government imposed a nationwide lockdown. As a result of the lockdowns, air and noise pollution decreased for a short period, and air and water quality, biodiversity improved due to reduced industrial and human activities. On this backdrop, the present study endeavours to explore the reason and facts of sudden decrement in the concentration of air pollutants during lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to fewer vehicles and the absence of industrial activities and subsequent heavy rainfall made by cyclone Amphan landfall around Kolkata and adjacent areas, it improved air quality by its cleansing effect. It also highlights the interconnections between the air quality and socio-economics fabrics of the city and the collapse of economic activities. The impact of improved air quality on people’s social and health status is positive. The paper also prescribes how these positive impacts can be carried out for the wellbeing of society.