B'lore among 24 critically polluted cities

Bangalore, known for its salubrious climate, according to Central Pollution Control Board Senior Scientist M Madhusudanan, is among 24 most critically polluted cities today. 

The reason for this dismal situation, according to him, is high density of vehicles, which are major contributors to air pollution. In order to reverse this scenario, he stressed the need for improving fuel quality, going for alternative clean fuel, progressive emission norms of vehicles, unleaded petrol and pollution-under-control audit. He was speaking at a seminar  “Short and long-term measures to reduce air pollution in Bangalore” here on Friday.

Substantiating his observations, and painting a grim picture, a Karnataka State Pollution Control Board study has found that City’s Mysore Road is the most polluted stretch, where the Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) value was 169 as against below 60 points, as per national standard. Likewise, the RSPM values on Yeshwantpur Road and Central Silk Board were 128 points and 155 points, respectively.

B Nagappa, the Scientific Officer of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, said the RSPM values may cause emphysema, bronchitis, asthma, weakness, stamina loss and skin irritation/diseases.

Underscoring the importance of purity in air, he said  the only cause for cheer though was lesser presence of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide in the atmosphere than the national standard.

BMRCL Chief Engineer Ramesh admitted that Namma Metro has contributed to air pollution. He claimed that once the projects were completed, it would help reduce air and noise pollution, as the number of vehicles would come down.