A mobile laboratory of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) monitored the ambient air quality for three days prior to Diwali  and during the festival days to assess the values of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) and oxides of nitrogen (Nox).  The monitoring was done at Mathikere on November 3 and 8, Rajajinagar on November 6 and 9 and Vijayanagar on November 7 and 10. The readings reported were analysed by the Board’s Central Laboratory based at Rajajinagar.

Speaking to Metrolife, KSPCB Member Secretary Venkatesh said, “The monitoring showed a surge in the SPM levels in the three areas when compared with the national ambient air quality standard. While the national standard (all values in µg/M3 ) stood at 200, Rajajinagar registered an average of 479, Vijayanagar 422 while Mathikere showed 305. The average in these areas ranged between 59 and 91 when evaluated on the days prior to the festival.“

When compared with the figures of the previous year, Vijayanagar has fared very well on the SPM count with a 146% decrease registered this year. However, Rajajinagar showed a significant increase in SPM value by 291% while Mathikere showed a 29% increase.

The values of SO2 evaluated during the days revealed that the limit remained within the National Ambient Air Quality Standard of 80µg/M3 in all the places. “The compulsory supply of green diesel, which contains less sulphur content, within the City is the major reason for this,” Venkatesh said.  SO2 levels have also clearly decreased when compared with the previous year.  The values of NOx, though, exceeded the national standard at Rajajinagar by 10%. This is a 175% increase over last year’s NOx level.  

The impact caused due to the increase of these pollutants include reduced light visibility on the streets, damage to lungs, eye irritability, discolouration of buildings, destruction of aquatic life, acid rain and formation of smog, the Member Secretary said.