BBMP gears up for PM 2.5 battle

Rising levels of particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns (fine dust) in Bengaluru’s air has finally forced the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to take the matter seriously.

As dust and garbage contribute to the fine dust content, the BBMP has deployed its team of Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs) attached with the Road Infrastructure wing to clear out silt and dust deposited on major roads of Bengaluru.

The AEEs with civil engineering background will combat the fine dust with mechanical sweepers on major roads in 12 high density corridors of Bengaluru. The civic body will add 17 mechanical sweepers to its existing fleet of nine machines, enabling it to cover 1,200 kms of arterial roads.

Speaking to DH, BBMP Commissioner N Manjunatha Prasad said, “Due to constant rains and heavy vehicle movement, these roads are littered with silt and debris. All these days, our AEEs and EEs were looking after the potholes and asphalting. But henceforth, they will also be working to ensure no dust or silt deposits on the road.”

According to officials, each AEE will have jurisdiction over about 50 kms of area and will be equipped with one compactor and a mechanical sweeper.

Speaking to DH, S Somashekhar, Chief Engineer, RI, BBMP, said AEEs will be responsible for the clearance of silt, dust and garbage. “Currently we are operating nine mechanical sweepers. Once the new 17 mechanical sweepers arrive, they will be transferred to RI department from Solid Waste Management (SWM),” he said.