Air pollution worse than shown by KSPCB data: report

The pollution in the city has reached alarming proportions when considered the real situation and its severity is higher when compared to that suggested by the data from Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB).

A report released on Wednesday based on studies by Co Media Lab and Climate Trends notes that there are huge gaps in the KSPCB's data on the smaller particulate matter (PM 2.5).

Questioning the reliability of such data and conclusions arrived through such numbers, the report emphasised the need for improvement and transparency.

As a result, the pollution does not come to focus in Bengaluru when compared with the discussions and media coverage on the issue in cities like Delhi.

The two organisations monitored pollution at key junctions in the city from February 5 to 15. They ran an autorickshaw with a GPS-enabled air pollution sensor. Road junctions, places near peak hour traffic and areas like Jayanagar, Banashankari, Silk Board, Electronic City, Whitefield, Marathahalli, MG Road and Mekhri Circle were among the places in the red.

"One can be exposed to levels as high as 800 ug/m3, and it's important to remember that many children and working class end up spending a significant part of their day throughout the week in traffic. This certainly will have an associated health impact," said Aishwarya Sudhir, who wrote the report.

Dr Rahul Patil from Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research said autorickshaw drivers face a higher risk of heart attacks.

"The slow-moving traffic during peak hours will increase the amount of polluted air inhaled by a person. Riding a bicycle or walking on footpath during heavy traffic should be avoided," he said.