Kolkata: A new study by ‘C40 Cities’ – a world megacition network that is committed to handling climate change – reveals that Kolkata has the highest number of premature deaths due to pollution of coal power plants in 2019 among 61 global megacitions.
It is also projected to witness 10,000 premature deaths up to 2030.
For the first time, this new research report by C40 calculates the impact of air pollution from coal plants on the health of the urban population and the economic consequences.
Kolkata residents are the worst influenced by coal pollution compared to residents in other cities in terms of premature death.
About 20% of Indian coal-powered electricity is produced in 500 km of the city.
Air pollution from a coal power plant moves remotely with the wind pushing pollutants towards the city, thus placing people, especially young people, pregnant women and age citizens.
Track the level of pollution in your city “air pollution (PM2.5 annual concentration) in Kolkata is almost seven times above the WHO guidelines and almost doubled from national guidelines.
The current national plan will expand the coal fleet of 28% between 2020 and 2030 , Threatens the health and welfare of urban residents in Kolkata while damaging the target of Indian climate and air quality.
The current national plan can increase the number of annual premature deaths of coal plant pollution in Kolkata by 50%, “said Rachel Huxley, head of knowledge and research at C40.
The current plan to expand the Indian coal fleet of 64 GW will increase the number of premature deaths to 31,000 from coal-related air pollution in the city until 2030, revealed this research.
“State and central must consider incorporating initial retirement of coal and investing in clean energy, while not building new coal plants, as the foundation of air quality and their climate policy,” Huxley added.
“However, it is easier to say than done.
Bengal rich geographically with coal resources and the availability of resources often determines the technology to be used, although no one ignores health implications,” said a senior state government official.