Bengaluru air quality dips due to bursting of chemical firecrackers

BENGALURU: The level of air pollution in the city has suddenly shot up due to bursting of firecrackers during the Deepavali festival. Although only green firecrackers were made mandatory by the government, there are allegations that chemical firecrackers are being used. Due to this, air pollution in several parts of the city is at dangerous levels.

Delhi is already facing air pollution due to stubble burning and bursting of firecrackers. In view of this, stringent measures were taken to minimise pollution in Silicon City.

The AQI monitoring stations have been set up in various parts of Bengaluru, which also gauge noise pollution. It has come to light that the pollution level is in the danger zone in several parts of the city.

The AQI recorded AQI in Jayanagar was 189, Bapuji Nagar was 171, Hombalegowda City was 141, Silk Board was 129, KSR City Railway Station was 94, Hebbal was 96, Kasturi Nagar was 77, Peenya was 80, Mylasandra RVCE was 120, Saneguruvanahalli was 69, Shivapura was 95 and BTM Layout was 85.

As per the Air Quality Index (AQI), 0-50 is good, 51-100 is moderate and 101-150 is unhealthy, 150-200 is considered unhealthy for all, 201-300 is very poor and above 300 is considered severe.