Bengaluru's Air Quality Worsens as PM10 Levels Cross Safe Limit

BENGALURU: The city’s air quality has taken a turn for the worse, with PM10 levels surging past the safe threshold. Data from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) shows that in several monitoring stations across the city, the concentration of Particulate Matter 10 (PM10) has exceeded the prescribed national standard of 100 micrograms per cubic metre.

What is PM10 and why it matters

PM10 refers to particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less. These particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Unlike finer PM2.5, PM10 is typically generated by mechanical processes such as construction, road dust, and waste burning.

Environmentalists have been raising the alarm for months. “We are seeing a clear pattern where PM10 spikes coincide with peak construction activity and dry weather,” said a member of the Bangalore Environment Trust.

Sources of the spike

KSPCB officials point to multiple factors. Unregulated construction sites across the city are spewing dust into the air. Many builders do not use water sprinklers or covers to trap the dust. Vehicular emissions add to the load, especially on arterial roads where traffic crawls for hours every day.

Waste burning in open spaces continues to be a problem. Despite a ban, several neighbourhoods report instances of garbage being set alight, releasing toxic smoke laden with PM10.

The lack of adequate green cover has only made matters worse. Trees that could trap dust particles have been felled for road widening projects, leaving the city’s lungs depleted.

Health impact on residents

Doctors in the city are already seeing a rise in cases. “We are getting more patients with asthma attacks, bronchitis, and eye irritation,” said Dr Naveen Kumar, a pulmonologist at a leading hospital in Koramangala. “The numbers have gone up sharply over the last two weeks.”

Residents in areas like Peenya, Yeshwanthpur, and Whitefield have complained of a persistent smoggy haze in the mornings. “It’s like living inside a chimney,” said Ramesh Shetty, a resident of Peenya Industrial Area. “We can barely breathe when we step out.”

Government response and measures

The state government has acknowledged the issue but has not announced any emergency measures. A senior KSPCB official said: “We are monitoring the situation. We have issued notices to construction sites and are conducting surprise checks.” However, activists argue that enforcement remains weak and penalties are too low to deter violations.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) recently launched a mechanical road sweeping pilot project, but the coverage is limited. Environmentalists have demanded that the government implement a dust control plan on a war footing, including mandatory use of anti-smog guns at large construction sites.

With the dry season expected to continue for another month, the air quality is unlikely to improve without sustained action. Residents are being advised to wear masks outdoors and avoid morning walks in high-pollution zones. The next review of air quality data by KSPCB is scheduled for early August, and all eyes will be on whether the city can finally clear the air.