Bengaluru: The Garden City is among the top six polluted cities in the country, according to the latest data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and experts are now also voicing concern over the rising indoor pollution in homes and offices.
Air-O-Thon 2018, organised by Prospur Events & Promotions and Indian Pollution Control Association (IPCA) on Friday focused on the issues of rising air pollution, including indoor air, in various cities in south India.
The one-day conference themed ‘Bengaluru’s Toxic Air’ focused on indoor air pollution. The conference stressed on the high level of particulate matter and the need to get stakeholders, apart from the local government, on board to reduce urban air pollution.
“It is time to lay emphasis on reducing and preventing air pollution. This will take time and the sooner it happens the better,“ said Mahesh Kashyap, a consultant at IISc.
Society for Indoor Environment, which provides technical knowledge on indoor air quality, has joined hands as knowledge partner in the conference and will help the diverse stakeholders to work towards holistic solutions in combating air pollution.
Pradeep Maithani, Chairman & MD, Vprospurs Pte Ltd, said healthy air was crucial for the well being of the population and the economy. “Sixty five percent of the country’s population is below 35 years of age and health is critical for the nation. The poor quality air of our cities is a major challenge for the economy.”
Dr Radha Goyal, Deputy Director, IPCA, said that the issue of indoor air pollution has witnessed a rise in the recent years and is worse than outdoor pollution.
