<p>The air quality in most parts of Kolkata deteriorated to 'very poor', while it turned 'severe' in the northern parts of the metropolis on Friday, a West Bengal Pollution Control Board (PCB) official said.</p>.<p>The automated air monitoring station at Rabindra Bharati University (RBU) on B T Road in north Kolkata recorded the air quality index (AQI) of 408 PM 2.5 at 3 pm, which is categorised as 'severe'.</p>.<p>"The AQI recorded at RBU during the day is the worst this year. It was caused mostly due to wintry conditions with particulate matters hanging in the air and a large number of vehicles hitting the roads," he said.</p>.<p>AQI between 401 and 500 is designated as 'severe' and affects healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases, causing respiratory difficulties, environmentalist S M Ghosh said.</p>.<p>"It is caused by the plying of a large number of diesel-run commercial vehicles, use of coal-fired chulha (clay stove) by roadside eateries and garbage burning at dumping yards," he said.</p>.<p>The air quality turned 'very poor' (301-400) in other parts of the city. It can aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions.</p>.<p>Ballygunge recorded AQI of 309, Bidhan Nagar 320, Fort William 324, Victoria Memorial 314 and Jadavpur 303.</p>.<p>"Due to garbage burning and a higher number of vehicles on the roads, such situations may arise during the onset of winter.</p>.<p>"The PCB is taking steps like banning coal-fired chulha and old commercial vehicles in the city. The board is also using water sprinkler vehicles to prevent the accumulation of dust in the air," the official added.</p>
<p>The air quality in most parts of Kolkata deteriorated to 'very poor', while it turned 'severe' in the northern parts of the metropolis on Friday, a West Bengal Pollution Control Board (PCB) official said.</p>.<p>The automated air monitoring station at Rabindra Bharati University (RBU) on B T Road in north Kolkata recorded the air quality index (AQI) of 408 PM 2.5 at 3 pm, which is categorised as 'severe'.</p>.<p>"The AQI recorded at RBU during the day is the worst this year. It was caused mostly due to wintry conditions with particulate matters hanging in the air and a large number of vehicles hitting the roads," he said.</p>.<p>AQI between 401 and 500 is designated as 'severe' and affects healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases, causing respiratory difficulties, environmentalist S M Ghosh said.</p>.<p>"It is caused by the plying of a large number of diesel-run commercial vehicles, use of coal-fired chulha (clay stove) by roadside eateries and garbage burning at dumping yards," he said.</p>.<p>The air quality turned 'very poor' (301-400) in other parts of the city. It can aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions.</p>.<p>Ballygunge recorded AQI of 309, Bidhan Nagar 320, Fort William 324, Victoria Memorial 314 and Jadavpur 303.</p>.<p>"Due to garbage burning and a higher number of vehicles on the roads, such situations may arise during the onset of winter.</p>.<p>"The PCB is taking steps like banning coal-fired chulha and old commercial vehicles in the city. The board is also using water sprinkler vehicles to prevent the accumulation of dust in the air," the official added.</p>