• ASHIS PANDIT
• 2. Dr. Subrata Pan
• 3. Susanta Sen

Urban and industrial pollution has been a major environmental concern around the world. Rapid rate of industrialization with consequent rise in urban population, unprecedented growth of transportation sector and lack of adherence to the pollution control measures may be attributed to the major factors of such point pollution sources. Recent trends of urbanization in Bankura and growth of industrial cluster in Barjora, adjoining to the so-called Asansol-Durgapur industrial conglomerate of West Bengal are of no exception in this regard. In spite of being the pollution hotspots of the district, these areas lack environmental concern and awareness among general people and academic fraternity. The present study attempts to assess the temporal variations of different air pollutants in these areas during last four years. The study is mainly based on the archived data from the WBPCB pollution monitoring stations located in the study areas. The Air Quality Index (AQI) calculated from the air pollution parameters (PM10, SO2, NO2 etc.) revealed that the air pollution in the district is mainly responsible for industrial activities. The AQI values are much lower than the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) in Bankura town whereas it is relatively higher in Barjora. The study also shows the seasonal variations of air pollutants particularly the concentration of PM10. It has been found that the winter months are more susceptible to heavier concentration of PM10 nearer to the surface due to the rising air density during winter, causing occurrence of frequent smogs in and around Barjora. The paper is expected to create awareness among the general public with a view to more and more administrative intervention in addressing this rising environmental issue.

Air Quality Index, Industrial Pollution, National Ambient Air Quality Standard, Pollution Hotspot, Smog, Urban Pollution

"Assessment of Temporal Variations in Air Quality of Bankura and Barjora Towns, Bankura District, West Bengal", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.9, Issue 6, page no.i494-i504, June-2022, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2206859.pdf

"Assessment of Temporal Variations in Air Quality of Bankura and Barjora Towns, Bankura District, West Bengal", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.9, Issue 6, page no. ppi494-i504, June-2022, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2206859.pdf