Bengaluru air quality dips, but heavy rain saves the day

Ambient air quality measured at seven Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations in Bengaluru showed a 42 percent decrease in the Air Quality Index as compared with the day before Diwali.

However, apart from the area surrounding KRS Railway station, which showed ‘moderate’ air quality levels, S.G. Halli, Veterinary Hospital, Jayanagar 5th Block, Kavala, Mysore Road and Central Silk Board were satisfactory (51-100), while two stations in Hebbal and NIMHANS were good. (0-50).

Incessant rain during Diwali might have been the city’s saving grace, largely responsible for keeping air quality levels in check. The average AQI based on the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board’s survey remained ‘satisfactory’ at 67 in 2021. It is a significant improvement from 2017 and 2018, when AQI stood at 162 and 111 respectively but a fall from last year’s 55.

“Greater awareness surrounding air pollution and people opting for green crackers or not burning them at all has helped maintain air pollution levels in the city,” says a senior official from the KSPCB.