Kolkata to spray rose water for heat relief; environmentalists raise concerns

West Bengal Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul said the Kolkata Municipal Corporation would deploy rose water-infused mist sprays in various parts of the city as a measure to provide relief from soaring summer temperatures. The initiative aims to enhance the cooling effect while creating a pleasant fragrance across public spaces, according to Paul's statement. The move is part of the state government's broader efforts to address heat stress in India's eastern metropolis during the scorching summer months.

Environmental groups have swiftly criticized the proposal, raising questions about its practical utility and environmental implications. Critics argue that using rose water—a resource-intensive product—for mist spraying represents an impractical approach to urban heat management that diverts attention from more substantive climate adaptation strategies.

The environmentalists have urged the state government to instead focus on proven methods such as expanding green cover, improving water management systems, and enforcing building regulations that promote heat-resistant architecture. They contend that such measures would provide more sustainable and long-term solutions to Kolkata's heat vulnerability than cosmetic interventions.

Kolkata has faced increasingly severe heat waves in recent years, with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. The municipal corporation's cooling initiatives have typically included watering public spaces and installing shade structures, though their effectiveness remains debated among urban planners and environmental experts.