The worsening pollution crisis in Kolkata and Howrah has now reached the Calcutta High Court. Filed by advocate Akash Sharma, the PIL states that the health risks posed by sustained poor air quality are comparable to smoking multiple cigarettes a day, a comparison frequently cited by medical professionals. The PIL also takes strong exception to the response of the West Bengal Pollution Control Board to earlier representations. According to the advocate, the Board failed to provide clear answers on enforcement and instead shifted responsibility across departments. The advocate has also sent representations to the West Bengal Pollution Control Board seeking immediate corrective measures.

Source: The Telegraph January 05, 2026 10:20 UTC