Air not clean in Mysore, Mangaluru and Bangalore: Report Mysuru News – Times of India

The primary contributors to the deteriorating air quality are fossil fuel-fired infrastructure development, industry, transportation, waste burning and construction activity, the report said.

Mysuru: A report prepared by Greenpeace India has claimed that air pollution levels in three major cities – Mysore, Bengaluru and Mangaluru – exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality standards.
The report is based on the data of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Speaking to STOI, Avinash Chanchal, Campaign Manager, Greenpeace India, said that the report has been prepared on the basis of air quality data from November 20, 2020 to November 20, 2021, at the Central Control Room for Air Quality Management of CPCB. From the official dashboard of
“In Mysuru, PM 2.5 levels are four to five times higher than the WHO guidelines, while in Bengaluru and Mangaluru it is six to seven times higher. Similarly, in Bengaluru and Mangaluru PM10 levels are three to four times the limit. Whereas in Mysuru it is two to three times higher than the limit set by WHO,” he said.
“Qualitative and quantitative analysis is done using prescribed air quality standards specified by WHO and National Ambient Air Quality (NAAQS),” he said.
According to the report, the primary contributors to the deteriorating air quality are fossil fuel-powered infrastructure development, industry, transportation, waste burning and construction activity.
“Prolonged exposure to air pollution even at low levels shortens life and has serious implications for public health. Thus, cities must take concrete steps to control air pollution and move towards WHO guidelines. There should be a deadline before it is too late,” said Avinash Chanchal.
According to activists, more stringent measures are the need of the hour to curb air pollution, especially pollution caused by vehicles and industries.
Venkatesh Kharidi, treasurer of Clean Mysore Foundation, said that after the first Kovid-19 lockdown, air pollution in the city increased due to various reasons. “Industrial air pollution is now uncontrolled as all permissions are issued online. Old vehicles are also allowed without due process. Last year, due to Covid-19, the number of plants planted also increased citing lack of funds. Very little has happened. All these have contributed to the increase in air pollution,” he said.