Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), often hailed as India’s “Silicon Valley,” is a bustling metropolitan city known for its IT hubs, vibrant culture, and pleasant weather. Despite having a population exceeding 14 million, Bengaluru has only 10 official air quality monitoring stations linked to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). However, its rapid urbanization and growth have come at the cost of declining air quality.
The latest report by Greenpeace India, ‘Spare the Air-2’ states that the monthly average trend in Bengaluru city shows that PM2.5 levels are 5 to 6 times higher, and PM10 levels are 3 to 4.5 times higher than WHO annual guidelines in all months. Meanwhile, PM10 exceeds NAAQS annual limits in February, March, April, October, November, and December.
"Air pollution increases the likelihood of premature death and many medical conditions, including asthma, premature birth, low birth weight, depression, schizophrenia, diabetes, stroke, and lung cancer."
Let's analyze Bangalore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in recent years.
Why Bengaluru grapples with poor Air Quality issues -
Vehicular Emissions:
Bengaluru's rapidly growing air population and over 11 million registered vehicles contribute significantly to its air pollution. Bengaluru’s roads are congested with two-wheelers, cars, and diesel-run outdated buses, which release large amounts of PM2.5 and NO₂. Despite metro connectivity, over-reliance on private vehicles worsens emissions.
Construction Activities:
With ongoing infrastructure projects such as metro expansion and residential developments, dust, and PM10 particles are a constant concern. Poor management of construction debris exacerbates air quality issues.
Urban Heat Island Effect:
The loss of green cover and increasing urbanization have amplified heat absorption, worsening air stagnation and pollution levels in Bengaluru.
Meteorological Factors:
Bengaluru benefits from some natural wind circulation, but declining rainfall and the city's expanding concrete footprint have reduced its ability to flush out pollutants effectively. In March 2024, for instance, the city recorded zero rainy days compared to the previous year, leading to a significant drop in “good air quality days.”
Why Bengaluru’s Air Quality Stands Out Among India’s Metro Cities-
Topography and Climate
Bengaluru's elevation of approximately 900 meters above sea level facilitates better air circulation, preventing pollutants from stagnating close to the ground. The city’s moderate climate, characterized by occasional winds, also helps disperse particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), particularly during non-winter months.
Greener Urban Environment
Historically referred to as the “Garden City,” Bengaluru still retains substantial green cover in pockets like Cubbon Park and Lalbagh. Green spaces act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO₂ and particulate matter while releasing oxygen, significantly improving local air quality compared to cities with sparse vegetation and hence, curbing Bengaluru's air pollution.
Image via aqi.in Lesser Heavy Industry Presence
Unlike Mumbai or Delhi, Bengaluru’s economy is driven by IT and technology, which are relatively low-polluting sectors. The absence of large-scale heavy industries like steel or coal further contributes to its relatively cleaner air and less pollution.
Lastly, to improve its air quality, Bengaluru needs to focus on expanding public transport, promoting electric vehicles, enforcing construction dust regulations, and increasing green cover through urban forestry. Innovations like Bengaluru's Metro expansion are steps in the right direction, but they must be paired with stricter air pollution control measures.
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