Kolkata less polluted on World Environment Day

KOLKATA : There was no honking of horns or emission from fossil fuel exhausts in the metropolis on World Environment Day with almost no vehicles on the roads because of a general strike called by ruling Left Front.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB), however, could not provide any data as no employee could reach office because of the shutdown.

"It is unfortunate that on the World Environment Day, we could not go to office", CPCB's zonal in-charge Dr S S Bala said.

The state pollution board, which was to observe the day with a colourful programme in the presence of Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, cancelled it in view of the bandh.

"There was no pollution because of the bandh. This was better than lip service every year and no action by the board to bring down pollution in the city," said environment activist Subhas Dutta.

He said Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) and Respirable Particulate Matter (RPM), which were main reasons for lung and respiratory diseases, was 2.5 times higher in the city on normal days than the safe limit, while it was double in case of sound pollution.