Bengaluru is facing an alarming air pollution crisis that requires urgent collective action to reverse the upward trend, according to experts who gathered at the India Clean Air Summit-2023 organized by the Center for Air Pollution Studies. The city’s air pollution levels were found to be five times worse than the standards set by the World Health Organization, as reported by Green Peace India. The situation was further highlighted by the Centre of Science and Environment, which revealed a rapid increase in PM 2.5 levels in Bengaluru.
Professor P.G. Diwakar, ISRO Chair Professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, emphasized the need for everyone to take responsibility and protect the environment. He cited the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown, which showed a significant improvement in air quality. Prof. Diwakar stated that it is crucial for individuals and society as a whole to adopt practices that do not pollute the environment, stressing that if humans can land on the moon, they should be able to control air pollution.
Technology was identified as a key tool in improving air quality. The National Institute of Advanced Studies launched a pilot project in Bengaluru that utilizes Geo Artificial Intelligence and Random Forest technologies to monitor and predict the city’s air quality. The project will deploy fifty sensors in educational institutions to assess and predict air quality levels. Experts believe that accurate data, combined with AI-based models, can help in developing effective strategies to combat air pollution.
Dr. B. Sengupta, former member secretary of the Central Pollution Control Board, echoed the importance of technology and a science-based approach in tackling air pollution. He highlighted the need for well-distributed and strategically placed observation points to generate ground-level pollution data. Dr. Sengupta also emphasized the calibration of instruments at air quality monitoring stations to ensure accurate data collection, which is crucial for effective policy formulation.
Dr. Sengupta presented a comprehensive list of suggestions for the state authorities, including the preparation of action plans for critically polluted areas and the control of emissions from highly polluting industries. Promoting the use of clean fuels, implementing vehicular emission control measures, adopting electrical vehicles, and decarbonizing industries were key recommendations to improve air quality.
State officials acknowledged the urgency of the situation and highlighted efforts already underway. Eshwar Khandre, Minister for Forest, Ecology, and Environment, stressed the importance of collective action to protect the environment for future generations. He cited the high pollution levels experienced by Delhi during winter and emphasized the need to prevent Bengaluru from following a similar path. Khandre highlighted the government’s commitment to planting saplings and promoting sustainable development in the state.
Dr. Shanth A. Thimmaiah, chairman of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, highlighted Karnataka’s initiatives in eco-friendly practices such as solar energy harvesting. The state has implemented the GreenCo rating system to recognize and reward industries based on their environmental performance indices. Dr. Thimmaiah also discussed the Institute-Industry-Authority model, which aims to bridge the gap between research institutions and industries by facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange.
While the focus on air pollution often centers on cities, Dr. R. Subramanian, sectoral head of air quality at CSTEP, emphasized the need to address air pollution in rural areas. He highlighted the burning of agricultural waste and residential burning as significant sources of pollution in these areas. Dr. Subramanian called for access to clean energy in rural homes and reducing pollution in households as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.
In conclusion, urgent collective action is required to address Bengaluru’s alarming air pollution crisis. The use of technology, accurate data collection, and the adoption of eco-friendly initiatives are crucial steps in combating air pollution. State officials and experts agree on the need to prioritize the environment and implement sustainable practices for the well-being of current and future generations. With the right measures in place, it is possible to reverse the trend and ensure a cleaner and healthier future for Bengaluru.
