CITIES
City air improves but PM10 remains high – The Times of India

Kolkata: A four-year analysis by Respirer Living Sciences revealed that while Kolkata has made steady progress in reducing PM10 pollution since 2021, air quality in the city remained hazardous throughout the year. This defies the common belief that summer offers temporary relief from pollution.
The study, based on data from AtlasAQ, Respirer’s air quality platform, highlights that Kolkata’s PM10 levels declined from 111.5 µg/m³ in 2021 to 91.6 µg/m³ in 2024. While this downward trend is encouraging, every annual average still significantly exceeds the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) limit of 60 µg/m³ — even during summer months, which typically witness cleaner air due to atmospheric dispersion.
“Kolkata’s trend is moving in the right direction but we cannot mistake marginal progress for clean air. PM10 levels continue to breach safety limits in every season. This highlights the need for deeper urban reforms and sustained enforcement,” said Ronak Sutaria, founder and CEO of Respirer Living Sciences.
Detailed station-level analysis underscores the widespread nature of Kolkata’s air quality challenges. The Rabindra Bharati University station, which once recorded PM10 levels as high as 146.4 µg/m³ in 2021, showed the most substantial improvement, dropping to 86.7 µg/m³ in 2024. However, several key locations, including Victoria Memorial (102.9 µg/m³), Fort William (100.2 µg/m³), and Jadavpur (93.8 µg/m³), remain well above the safe threshold.
Even residential neighbourhoods like Rabindra Sarobar (71.0 µg/m³) and Ballygunge (96.8 µg/m³) reported PM10 levels far exceeding the national safety limit, emphasising that no part of the city is spared from chronic particulate exposure.
While Kolkata’s figures remain alarming, its consistent downward trend places it among a small group of Indian cities — including Mumbai and Hyderabad — that showed improvement in PM10 levels over the 2021-2024 period. This is likely the result of localised interventions, such as stricter emission controls, green initiatives, and public transportation enhancements.
In contrast, cities like Delhi, Patna, Chandigarh, and Lucknow continue to grapple with some of the highest PM10 concentrations in the country, with Delhi consistently averaging over 200 µg/m³ each year. Seasonal spikes during winter months — driven by temperature inversions and biomass burning — further compound these challenges.
The report urges policymakers to build on Kolkata’s momentum by implementing stronger emission regulations, particularly around high-traffic corridors and construction zones. It also recommends expanding public transport networks and continuing real-time air quality monitoring to ensure sustained progress.
“Air quality must be treated as a core urban governance issue. With the right investments and community engagement, cities like Kolkata can turn the tide. But the time to act is now,” the report said.
As Kolkata inches closer to cleaner skies, the message is clear: progress is possible, but only through unwavering commitment, systemic change, and collective effort.
CITIES
‘In kam*o, hara****don jo harqat ki’: Asaduddin Owaisi loses cool over Pahalgam attack | Hyderabad News – The Times of India
NEW DELHI: “Inn ka***no, h******don nejoharkat ki, wahan par naam pooch kar goli maare, samudaaya pooch kar marein, iski accountability toh honi chaiye,” said AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi as he slammed the Pahalgam terror attack and demanded accountability for what he called a grave security lapse.
Speaking to media in Hyderabad, Owaisi questioned how such a high-footfall tourist destination could be left unguarded. “ A place where there were so many tourists, there was not even one police personnel, or a CRPF camp. The Quick Reaction Team (QRT) took over an hour to arrive at the scene. And these people shot people after asking about their faith.”
Blaming Pakistan for sheltering the attackers, he said, “They came from Pakistan, and Pakistan supports them. How did they cross the border? Who is responsible for it? They could also reach Srinagar if they reached Pahalgam. Justice would only prevail when accountability is fixed… and these terrorists will be punished.”
Owaisi said Union Home Minister Amit Shah called him personally to invite him to the all-party meeting in Delhi. “The reason for which the all-party meeting is called is of national importance. The Home Minister just called me and asked where I am. He has asked me to come. I will book the earliest ticket and reach the all-party meeting (in Delhi),” he said.
This came after he publicly questioned the government’s decision to include only bigger political parties. On X, he shared details of a conversation with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who told him that only parties with five or ten MPs might be invited.
“Regarding the Pahalgam All Party Meeting, I spoke to Kiren Rijiju last night. He said they’re thinking of inviting only parties with ‘5 or 10 MPs.’ When I asked why not parties with fewer MPs, he said that the meeting would get ‘too long.’ When I asked, ‘What about us, the smaller parties?’ He joked that my voice is, anyway, too loud,” Owaisi posted.
He stressed the importance of inclusivity and urged the PM to hear out all voices. “The all-party meeting aims to send a strong and united message against terrorism,” he said, questioning whether the Prime Minister couldn’t spare some more time to listen to everyone.
CITIES
IPL 2025: Traffic tweaks, parking curbs in place for CSK vs SRH match at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium today; check details here | Chennai News – The Times of India
NEW DELHI: In light of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 fixture between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), scheduled for Friday, April 25, the Greater Chennai Traffic Police have announced special traffic and parking arrangements to ensure smooth vehicular movement and public safety around MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Considering the anticipated heavy footfall and vehicular congestion, the following traffic arrangements will be in effect today from 5pm to 11pm:
Parking arrangements
Car pass holders:Vehicles bearing valid car passes will be permitted to park only in the areas designated on their respective passes.
Self-driven vehicles: Spectators driving themselves are advised to use cathedral road to R.K Salai to reach Kamarajar Salai (Marina beach Road) and park at the Marina Beach Service Road parking area. Access to the stadium is via the pedestrian subways.
Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and chauffeur-driven vehicles: Commuters are advised to take Anna Salai to reach Wallajah road for drop-off near the stadium, after which vehicles may proceed to Sivananda Salai for parking.
- Mini buses / MTC / special buses:
Entry of buses will be restricted on Wallajah Road. Pick-up and drop-off will be facilitated at Swamy Sivananda Salai. Passengers may proceed to the stadium by foot via Press Club Road.
Traffic diversions
- Victoria Hostel Road (Canal Road): Entry permitted only from Bharathi Salai. No entry allowed from Wallajah Road.
- Bells Road: Bells Road will be operated as a one-way, with entry allowed only from Bharathi Salai. Vehicles will not be permitted to enter from Wallajah Salai.
- Bharathi Salai: Vehicles travelling from Ratna Café towards Kamarajar Salai will be diverted at the Bells Road – Wallajah Salai intersection.
The public is advised to use public transport and arrive via MRTS Chepauk Railway Station or Government Estate Metro Station for easier access to the stadium.
This advisory forms part of a comprehensive, season-long traffic management plan implemented for all Chennai Super Kings’ home matches at MA Chidambaram Stadium. In the coming weeks, similar arrangements will be in place for fixtures against teams such as Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
CITIES
‘We thought gunshots were to scare birds’: How Bengaluru techie Bharath Bhushan’s wife escaped Pahalgam terror attack | Bengaluru News – The Times of India
BENGALURU: Dr. Sujatha, the wife of Bengaluru-based techie Bharath Bhushan, who was killed in the attack, shared how her husband tried to comfort her amid the chaos. Despite hearing gunshots and sensing the imminent danger, Bharath repeatedly reassured her, saying, “Don’t worry, don’t worry… stay strong.”
However, even after explaining that he was a father of a young child, the terrorist showed no mercy and shot him in the head.
Sujatha recounted the brutal moments when the family was near a tent, checking out traditional Kashmiri attire. Gunshots erupted, initially mistaken for something harmless, but soon it became clear they were in the middle of a shooting spree.
As they hid behind the tent, they overheard one of the terrorists ask an elderly man in Hindi, “How can you be happy here when our children are dying there? How can you play with your kids and smile here?” When the man responded, “What should I do? How can I help?” the terrorist coldly shot him.
The terrorist then approached the tent where Sujatha and her family were hiding. Bharath, holding their son, pleaded for their lives. The terrorist, however, ordered Bharath to hand over the child to Sujatha before shooting him three times in the head. Bharath’s body was later flown to Bengaluru, where it was honored with a state funeral.
After witnessing her husband’s death, Sujatha, knowing he wouldn’t survive, quickly grabbed their belongings and fled the scene. “Being a doctor, I knew he wouldn’t survive after he was shot in the head. I kept running, constantly looking back to see if anyone was following us. The area was filled with dead bodies,” she recalled.
Sujatha managed to reach safety with her son, assisted by the CRPF, who ensured their protection as they made their way down the hill.
“I ran with my 3-year-old child,” Sujatha said, recalling: “After shooting my husband, the terrorist went away. I immediately rushed to my husband and took his wallet. We had a BSNL postpaid phone, and on a bench were our bags. So, I grabbed those and ran.”
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