How much pollution do the vehicles of the city cause?
While it has been hypothetically estimated, the realistic answer played out during the Statewide bandh on April 18.
According to data collected by Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), residual suspended particulate matter (RSPM) reduced by as much as 55 per cent in some areas, while nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) figures also went down by up to 64 per cent and 16 per cent respectively.
RSPM, which causes asthma and other respiratory issues, was significantly cut down by more than half its normal measurement in high-traffic density areas of Victoria Road and Mysuru Road during the bandh. With some industries and construction activities having come to a halt in Peenya, the industrial area saw a reduction of more than 34 per cent in the RSPM content.
NO2, which primarily comes from vehicle exhaust, saw a 64 per cent reduction in the busy Central Silk Board junction on Hosur Road during the bandh. Similarly, the sensitive area of Indira Gandhi Child Health Care Centre (near NIMHANS) saw NO2 reduction by nearly 37.4 per cent.
On an average, SO2 emissions reduced by 12 per cent across the city.
When noise pollution levels are compared, the KSPCB noticed a drop of nearly 9 per cent in the residential area of BTM Layout and just 2.7 per cent in the Peenya Industrial Area.
