Bengaluru: It's not all bad news in polluted Bengaluru. The air quality has significantly improved at the Central Silk Board, junction since November, going by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB).
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in January was 98 at the junction as against 131 in November . The level is satisfactory going by the board, although it admits that even this can cause minor discomfort to people suffering from heart and lung diseases. Chairman of the KSPCB, Lakshman says the improvement is the result of a regular watch on vehicular emissions and less frequent garbage burning in the area.
“We are carrying out regular inspections of vehicles to keep a check on their emissions and have also been working in tandem with government departments to clear construction debris and curb garbage burning,” he said. The AQI has also improved in areas like ITPL, falling from 112 in December last year to 81 in January. Interestingly, Mr Lakshman says the Karnataka bandh of January 25 over the Mahadayi issue also played a major role in bringing down the pollution in the area. Responding to the KSPCB’s data, Mr Mahesh Kashyap, a consultant with the Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD) said the instruments used by it were good and the results could be trusted.
“The KSPCB is definitely taking measures to improve the air quality in the city and we have no reason to be sceptical about the data ,” he added.
