Air quality in Karnataka had shown an alarming pattern as of today, where air quality in some of the large urban centers was dropping for AQI. The “temperature inversion” effect of the winter which stops cold air trapping pollutants near the ground and excessive vehicle congestion has put pollution levels in the ’Poor’ and ‘Unhealthy’ levels in many areas.
An analysis of City-Wise Air Quality
1. Bengaluru (The Silicon City)
Currently, Bengaluru is seeing more particulates at the workplace (PM10 and PM2.5), but this primarily comes from road dust and emissions from older vehicles. Hebbal, BTM Layout and Peenya have particularly high levels of pollution.
(a) Morning/Evening Peak: At the peak, AQI in these sectors is predicted to exceed 170 (straight up the "Unhealthy" section).
Primary Pollutants: Fine particles (PM2.5) concentrations today are nearly four times the WHO recommended guidelines.
2. Mangaluru (The Coastal Hub)
Mangaluru has one of the world’s cleanest coastal breezes, but today it’s seeing a surge of shockingly high pollution.
Status: AQI exceeds 150 now, reaching 'Unhealthy.'
Causes for the surprise surge: This spike is attributed to ongoing large-scale construction projects, port area industrial emissions, and stagnant winter air.
3. Mysuru, Ballari, and Belagavi
The cultural capital is situated at high concentration, with an AQI of more than 150, including Hebbal and Vivekananda Nagar, with exposure in the air considered harmful to vulnerable sections of the population.
- Ballari: Overall city air quality is ‘Moderate’ but mining belts and industrial areas are receiving relatively higher PM10 concentrations.
- Belagavi: AQI: 82 (Moderate) Moderate to stable. But dense morning mist is also starting health warnings for children and the elderly.
- Hubballi-Dharwad: The twin cities may be within 70 to 110 and the pollutant concentration around the major arterial roads.
Health Advisory #1: You can Protect Yourself
There are also several health and environmental-focused precautions to take for locals, especially in areas such as Bengaluru and Mangaluru:
- Masks: Wearing an N95 mask when travelling in crowded places like Peenya or Hebbal is the best approach.
- Time Your Exercise: Keep the outdoor jogging and walking to little or no time during the early morning (before 8:00 AM) to late evenings in order to avoid pollution levels peaking when its cold and so on.
- Protect the Vulnerable: Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health issues (such as asthma or bronchitis) should limit outdoor exercise.
- Indoor air quality: Indoor Air Purifiers, such as Snake Plants or Aloe Vera (in a well-kept spot) and other plants are better options than outdoor filtration methods.
Now that the winter season in Karnataka is reaching its peak, the "Reform Express" of urban management must target air quality control. Citizens would have to keep alert until changing weather or tougher regulation of vehicle emissions. Monitor real-time AQI apps to ensure your day is safe.
