Concerns over rising air pollution in B'luru: An analysis vis-a-vis Delhi

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In Bengaluru, the state capital of Karnataka, concerns are mounting over the declining air quality over the past three years, albeit significantly better than the national capital, New Delhi.

While Bengaluru's air quality remains relatively favorable compared to New Delhi, the consistent rise in particulate matter in the air (PM 2.5) has become a point of worry.

The concentration of PM 2.5 in Bengaluru was measured at 27.5 in 2020, escalating to 29 in 2021 and further rising to 31.5 in 2022. In contrast, New Delhi experienced higher levels over the same period, with PM 2.5 levels reaching 84.1 (2020), 96.4 (2021), and 92.6 (2022), highlighting a persistent challenge with air quality in the national capital.

The central government considers 60 micrograms of PM 2.5 per cubic meter as a benchmark for safe air quality. Bengaluru's air quality, though exhibiting an upward trend, still falls within reasonable limits in comparison.

However, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that PM 2.5 levels should ideally be 5 micrograms per cubic meter, implying that Bengaluru's air quality is 5.8 times higher than the recommended safe annual average dust concentration.

The relatively lower pollution levels observed in 2020 and 2021 were influenced by pandemicrelated restrictions and lower activities. The year 2022 witnessed a decline in pollution due to widespread rainfall.

However, the recent surge in pollution levels in Bengaluru is attributed to increased activities, reduced rainfall, instances of fire disasters, and a surge in the number of vehicles on the road, as highlighted by officials from the State Pollution Control Board.

In a recent survey, Bengaluru ranked 545th among the most air-polluted cities, with neighbouring cities like Hubli registering higher pollution levels at 509th place.