Industrial areas Bapuji Nagar, Peenya are the highest contributors
Bengaluru : According to a report by Greenpeace India, the city’s pollution level fell from 40 microgram per cubic meter air in 2019 to 30 microgram per cubic meter air in November 2021. This, however, is seven times more than WHO standards, despite the pandemic-induced lockdowns.
The report cites construction activity as the primary reason for the same.
“It’s very difficult to travel with the increasing air pollution. I have asthama. Too much of exposure to such (polluting) air is risky and increases my chances of getting an (asthma) attack,” said Neetha RG, a citizen.
Bangalore ranks fourth out of 10 southern cities whose air pollution levels are more than WHO standards. The top cities in this ranking include Vizag and Hyderabad.
In Bangalore, meanwhile, Bapuji Nagar, a commercial area is the highest contributor at 40 microgram per cubic meter air in the particulate matter 2.5 limit. This is followed by Peenya, an industrial area which is at 35 microgram per cubic meter air.
According to media reports, the city saw 12000 deaths due to air pollution in 2020 alone.
Environmentalists say there’s a need to make urban transport more accessible to tackle air pollution.
“Making our urban transport networks accessible and sustainable can play a major role (in tackling the crisis). Majority of the population is already using public transport or sustainable ways of transportation. But the infrastructural focus is still on private vehicles,” said Avinash Chanchal, Campaign Manager, Greenpeace India.
