Now, you can check air pollution levels real time

Bengalureans can now check air pollution levels real time with the click of a mouse.

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) website which has been displaying noise pollution levels in the city, has now begun posting levels of nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, PM2.5, PM10, sulphur dioxide and ozone on a real time basis.

"The pollution levels are updated every 10 minutes and the air quality index (AQI) of the location is assessed, calculated and uploaded on an hourly basis. The data is available in the form of graphs and statistics. Citizens can click on any of the pillars of the graph to know the numerical details and the time of tabulation," a KSPCB official said.

The service was launched a week ago on a trial basis with five automated stations at Veterinary College, Hebbal; Central Silk Board, Madiwala; Nimhans, Kavika on Mysuru Road and Jayanagar 5th Block.

The response has been overwhelming and the board is now working towards making it mobile friendly too.

The board aims to make data of all 29 air quality monitoring stations available online on real time basis by March, 2018. The challenge is, 14 of these stations are manual and need to be automated first.

The board is keen on adding eight more stations to the list in the second phase and 13 more under Phase 3. The locations for these phases are yet to be finalised.

KSPCB will also hold talks with the Central Pollution Control Board on sharing data.

The CPCB has three automated stations - BTM Layout, Peenya and Marathahalli. KSPCB is also working on adding the station at the City railway station and Sanegurvanahalli near Basaveshwaranagar to its Phase 2 list.

"KSPCB's aim is to make people aware of air and noise pollution constantly. Today, citizens are aware and they also demand it regularly. Through this, we will have a direct connect with people," the official added.