Air pollution at alarming levels in Bengaluru: Greenpeace

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Greenpeace India's report titled ‘Spare the Air’ reveals alarming levels of air pollution in Bengaluru and other cities across India.

The study, conducted from September 2021 to September 2022, highlights persistent pollution levels that exceed the World Health Organisation's (WHO) guidelines. The report emphasises the urgent need for immediate action to address this critical environmental and public health issue. Bengaluru, the focal point of the study, exhibits dangerously high levels of air pollution.

Greenpeace India volunteers emphasised the gravity of the situation by displaying a banner reading "Spare Our Air" at Kempegowda Circle. Avinash Chanchal, Campaign Manager of Greenpeace India, emphasised that the report should serve as a wake-up call to the newly formed government, urging them to address the air pollution crisis with utmost urgency. Vehicular emissions were identified as one of the primary contributors to the high PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations in urban areas.

To combat air pollution effectively, Greenpeace India proposed several recommendations. They stressed the significance of public transportation and called for concrete steps. Greenpeace Campaigner Amruta S Nair stated that the bus system should become the natural and primary choice for mobility in Bengaluru.

Shifa, an avid cyclist and Greenpeace volunteer underscored the need for Bengalureans to advocate and demand policies that improve the city's environment. Shifa emphasised that citizens must take charge of their environment and hold those responsible for air pollution accountable.