The KSPCB, which monitors the air pollution level in the City on a daily basis, has observed that in the last decade, the City has registered a 257 per cent increase in

vehicular density.

The transport sector contributes to almost 42 per cent of air pollution, followed by industries and construction. Metrolife interacts with the officials of the KSPCB, transport authorities and doctors to understand what can be done to combat the increasing pollution levels.

The KSPCB has categorised the City into four divisions — industrial, commercial,

residential and sensitive areas, which comprise schools, colleges and hospitals.

According to the latest statistics available with the KSPCB, the Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) level has exceeded the permissible level of 60 micro grams per cubic meter in the City.

Industrial areas such as Whitefield, Yeshwantpur and Peenya Industrial Area have touched the maximum RSPM level. The mixed urban areas such as the Yeshwantpur

police stations limits have an RSPM level of 40 micro grams per cubic meter.

Commercial areas such as the City Railway Station have touched a level of 20 micro gram per cubic meter and have a nitrogen oxide (NOx) level of almost 50 per cent.

The residential areas, though, are well within the RSPM level.

A senior scientific officer with the KSPCB warns, “RSPM levels have increased to a dangerous point and cases of respiratory illnesses have touched an all-time high in the City. Unless people opt to travel by public transport, nothing will change.”

Transport and road safety commissioner K R Srinivasa feels, “Only an efficient public transport system can lessen the use of private vehicles, which is the reason for increased pollution in the City. Many people complain that the public transport system isn’t good enough — but they should try it first.”

According to the statistics available with the transport department, two-wheelers top the list of increasing vehicles in the City, followed by autos and four-wheelers.

Dr Dwijendra Prasad, consultant, internal medicine with BGS Global Hospital, confirms that cases of bronchitis, asthma, weakness, loss of stamina, skin irritation and related diseases are on the rise.

“Because of increasing pollution levels, coupled with the fluctuating weather,

people have been coming to me with asthma and dust allergy. Those who are susceptible to contracting respiratory illnesses must wear a mask. But sadly, even masks don’t guarantee any protection from fine dust,” he says.

People attribute the increasing pollution levels to the mismanagement of traffic and observe that there’s no control over the number of new vehicles hitting the roads everyday. Kiran Lal, a student, feels air and water pollution each come with its own ills.

“Air pollution causes increase in respiratory illnesses, noise pollution affects hearing and water contamination can lead to severe stomach disorders,” Kiran says. Manu, a seller support manager who travels to Hosur Road everyday, agrees that air pollution is a serious issue. "

Traffic piles up all the time and I think bad traffic management leads to congestion during peak hours, which in turn causes pollution,” he notes.

V C Joseph, a senior section engineer with the Railways, feels that the cases of chronic asthma have increased in the last few years. “The emission norms are flouted with impunity and even the factories located in the City exceed the pollution level. There’s no monitoring at any level,” he sums up.