The Board is conducting the study to assess the levels of pollutants, especially carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, which are present in closed buildings of the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus stations.

KSPCB chairman Vaman Acharya said that it had become a fad to have closed bus stands in the City and utilise the spaces above the buildings for commercial purposes, official purposes, restaurants and so on.

“The smoke emitted from vehicles parked in the assigned spaces has limited escape route. It circulates inside the building, which is very dangerous, especially carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. So, we decided to undertake a study to know the levels and how it is affecting the health of those working in the area. People work in closed areas, but are inhaling lot of pollutants, including dust, thus getting exposed to many health hazards,” he said.

Three closed bus stands in Bangalore - Shantinagar, Yeshwantpur and Vijayanagar - were chosen for the study.

Findings to be compared

The findings will be compared with the Basaveshwaranagar bus stand, which is an open one. The health of the people working in the surrounding places is also being taken into account.

Acharya said pollution levels in the City were rising at an alarming pace and affecting people’s health. The worst affected are those exposed to air pollution for long hours: traffic police personnel, BMTC bus drivers and people working in places around the closed bus stands.

The study began a month and half ago and the data is being compiled and analysed. The report will be submitted to the government for implementation, he said.