Bengaluru, long known for its pleasant weather, is now grappling with a severe air quality crisis, as recent reports reveal that the city’s nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels are almost double the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) prescribed limits. According to Greenpeace India’s latest report, the City Railway Station (Majestic) has emerged as the most polluted area in the city, with NO2 concentrations breaching safe levels for 295 days in 2023. This marks a significant environmental concern for one of India’s fastest-growing metropolitan cities, which continues to battle increasing air pollution amid rapid urbanisation.
The report, titled ‘Beyond North,’ examined NO2 concentrations in seven densely populated Indian cities, including Jaipur, Pune, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Bengaluru ranked among the worst, with the city’s overall NO2 levels exceeding the WHO’s safe threshold of 10 micrograms per cubic metre for 295 days. Hombegowda Nagar, Bapuji Nagar, and Peenya also witnessed troubling levels of air pollution, underlining the extensive impact across the city. In contrast, Kasturi Nagar stood out as one of the few areas that maintained safe NO2 concentrations throughout the year.
Data from the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (CAAQM) network painted a grim picture across India. Chennai led the charge with 314 days of elevated NO2 levels, closely followed by Pune and Hyderabad. However, Bengaluru’s figures remain particularly alarming given its growing population and rapid urban sprawl. With eight out of 13 monitoring stations in the city recording average annual NO2 levels above 20 micrograms per cubic metre, it is evident that Bengaluru is facing a growing air quality crisis that needs urgent attention.
From a sustainability perspective, the rise in NO2 levels is largely attributed to the increasing number of private vehicles on Bengaluru’s roads, exacerbating the city’s air pollution. As the city continues to grow, the need for a robust, cleaner, and more efficient public transport system becomes even more critical. Investing in sustainable transport solutions is no longer just an environmental priority—it has become an urgent public health necessity. Without concerted efforts towards cleaner mobility options, Bengaluru’s air quality will continue to deteriorate, risking the health and well-being of its residents.
