Kolkata Municipal Corporation Allocates ₹100 Crore to Tackle Rising Air Pollution and Road Dust

With rising air pollution levels becoming a growing concern during winter months, Kolkata is moving towards stronger preventive action. According to the January 2026 Monthly Air Quality Snapshot released by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), pollution levels in the city have seen an increase, prompting authorities to accelerate mitigation measures.

In response, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has announced a major allocation of nearly ₹100 crore in its Budget for the financial year 2026–27 to strengthen the city’s solid waste management and dust-control infrastructure.

Mechanised Cleaning to Reduce Road Dust

The civic body plans to procure self-propelled road-sweeping machines, battery-operated mechanical sweepers, litter-sucking machines, and water sprinklers aimed at reducing suspended dust particles, one of the primary contributors to urban air pollution.

Large self-propelled sweeping machines will be deployed along some of Kolkata’s busiest and most pollution-prone stretches, including BT Road, Shyambazar Five-Point Crossing, APC Roy Road, C.R. Avenue, J.L. Nehru Road, Park Street, Camac Street, Asutosh Mukherjee Road, Hazra Road, Rashbehari, Gariahat, D.H. Road, and Jadavpur.

These machines are designed to efficiently remove accumulated road dust from congested arterial roads, improving both cleanliness and air quality.

Focus on Lanes and Bylanes

Kolkata’s dense network of narrow lanes and bylanes presents a unique challenge for mechanised cleaning. Traditionally, these areas have relied on manual sweeping using hand-held brooms, which often leads to inefficient dust removal and accumulation of waste.

To address this, KMC will introduce battery-operated mechanical sweepers capable of operating in smaller spaces. Officials believe this transition will significantly improve sanitation efficiency while reducing airborne dust and associated health risks.

Expansion Based on Performance

Officials have indicated that around 20 machines are initially being planned for deployment across the city’s boroughs, with further procurement depending on operational efficiency and results. The civic body already operates several road-sweeping machines, though newer models are expected to offer improved performance and coverage.

Towards a Cleaner and Healthier Kolkata

Urban dust and waste management play a crucial role in maintaining air quality, particularly during winter when pollution levels tend to rise due to atmospheric conditions. By investing in electric and mechanised cleaning technologies, Kolkata is taking a step towards sustainable urban management and improved public health outcomes.

The initiative reflects a broader shift toward modern, technology-driven civic infrastructure, reinforcing the city’s commitment to building a cleaner, healthier, and more liveable Kolkata for its residents.