BENGALURU: Several parts of Bengaluru are facing severe dust pollution, like in the national capital. The problem of dust in the air has worsened over the past 2-3 months, causing health problems for residents.
The BBMP has not paved the road dug up for BWSSB work. As a result, there is a lot of dust coming from the road. Street vendors, two-wheeler riders and even pedestrians are wearing masks to protect themselves from the dust. The main road in Bannerghatta is particularly affected. Vehicles and pedestrians are struggling to navigate through the thick dust.
Residents are experiencing respiratory issues, including coughing and throat pain. The dust is also causing eye and skin allergy problems. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of action from the pollution control board. The pollution is attributed to various factors including vehicle emissions, construction activities and the lack of green cover.
The residents of a house next to the road are protecting their children at home by tying a saree to the window to prevent dust from entering. There is also excessive dust on the road from JP Nagar Road to Gottigere, Bannerghatta, and the road connecting Arakere and Hulimavu. People are forced to walk on the dusty road for 4-5 km.
Dust can affect the blood vessels of a person and can cause lung and heart diseases, stroke and cancer. No steps are being taken by the Pollution Control Board to control pollution in the city. Air quality is deteriorating and if the BBMP does not take any measures, Bengaluru may soon face a situation similar to Delhi’s, many residents rued.
A shop owner, Manjunath, said they are facing severe health issues due to dust pollution and the pathetic road has affected his business too. “It has already been two months since they dug up the road. None of the officials visited here so far. Now the BBMP officials are assured of completing the work”, he said.
A local resident, Rohini Kulkarni, said, “I have been living in this year for 20 years. The situation of the road was pathetic and now, it is worsened. The BWSSB completed the work, but it was of poor quality. People are suffering from fever, cold, throat infection, and also respiratory issues. We are wearing masks every day and suffering a lot”.
Residents are taking precautions to protect themselves from the dust pollution by wearing masks and other measures to minimize their exposure to the dust. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of the problem, they say.
The government needs to take action to reduce vehicle emissions, promote green cover and regulate construction activities. Only then can the city’s air quality be improved, and the health of its residents be protected, locals feel.