Calcutta High Court Addresses Hazardous Air Quality Crisis in Kolkata and Howrah

Calcutta and Howrah are experiencing hazardous air quality due to factors including illegal waste burning and low wind speeds that trap pollutants. Monitoring stations reported poor to very poor air quality levels, with health impacts such as increased respiratory illnesses noted. In response, the Calcutta High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the crisis, combining it with a public interest litigation and directing state authorities to respond by late February 2026, seeking urgent measures to address the pollution.