The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has pinpointed 53 emission hotspots in Bengaluru, initiating a comprehensive air pollution control strategy.
This initiative, under the auspices of the 15th Finance Commission grant and the National Clean Air Program (NCAP), focuses on planting saplings in open spaces within these hotspots to mitigate pollution levels. The KSPCB’s extensive study categorised these hotspots into various sectors, including transportation, construction, diesel generator sets, municipal solid waste, and domestic, commercial, and industrial fuel consumption. These sectors significantly contribute to the city’s air pollution. The Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) has been entrusted with identifying suitable locations for the plantation activities, aiming to enhance green cover and reduce pollution.
The identification of these hotspots is based on the emission inventory compiled by the Centre for Study of Science, Technology, and Policy (CSTEP) in 2019. An official from KSPCB remarked, “We have provided a list of pollution hotspots to the forest department for taking up plantation activities in these areas to reduce pollution.” Out of the 53 identified hotspots, 23 are within the transportation sector. These areas suffer from pollution primarily due to tailpipe emissions and road dust. Additionally, the construction and demolition sectors contribute significantly to air pollution. Activities such as digging, demolition, excavation, cement work, and the movement of construction vehicles have been pinpointed as major pollution sources.
Infrastructure development projects, including road laying, metro construction, and flyover construction, have also been flagged as dynamic hotspots by the KSPCB. Moreover, the extensive use of diesel generator sets in high-rise buildings, industries, and commercial areas has marked 10 locations as significant pollution zones. The KSPCB has highlighted that while industrial fuel consumption does contribute to pollution in Bengaluru, the city does not host as many air-polluting industries compared to other metropolitan areas. Nevertheless, 10 industrial regions have been marked for greening initiatives.
Additionally, 10 areas with high domestic fuel combustion, including wood, cow dung, and coal, have been identified as emission hotspots. A senior official from the KFD stated, “We have received the list of hotspots from KSPCB. The board has directed the department to identify open spaces in these areas to take up plantation activity to mitigate air pollution.” The initiative to plant saplings in high-emission areas is seen as a progressive step towards addressing Bengaluru’s air quality issues. However, the success of this initiative hinges on ensuring a high survival rate of the planted saplings. Continuous monitoring and maintenance will be crucial to achieving the desired environmental impact.
By integrating green spaces into urban planning, Bengaluru aims to not only combat air pollution but also enhance the overall quality of life for its residents. The collaborative efforts of the KSPCB and KFD mark a significant move towards a greener, cleaner city, setting a precedent for other urban areas facing similar environmental challenges.
