Anti-Pollution Drive (APD), a citizens' initiative, born in NammaKudla is Kudla is deeply distressed to caution that Mangaluru too is headed in the same undesirable direction. Abdullah A Rehman, founder of organisation expressed that despite the widening and four-laning of all major roads, it is observed that there is no relief to the public and traffic congestion continues to be a problem we encounter every day. Mangaluru has one of the highest vehicle densities in this region. The density exceeds the carrying capacity of our infrastructure.

"The resulting pollution caused by the exhaust of the increasing number of vehicles is translating into steady increase in health hazards. Asthma is observed to be increasing in children and respiratory problems among adults too is on the rise. If no immediate action is taken, Kudla too will soon have to face a Delhi like situation," according to Rehman.

Anti-Pollution Drive (APD), is a registered Mangalore non-profit organization. It was established on October 2, 2014, to coincide with 'Swachh Bharat' campaign launched by the Prime Minister Modi.

To curb increasing pollution APD has formulated following suggestions to solve the emerging crisis:

1. Introduce Car Pooling System: This is especially true for Derlakatte-Mangaluru sector where a number of doctors, students and others travel at regular timings. App-based carpooling system would be both practical and highly beneficial.

2. College Transport System and Corporate Transport System should be streamlined to allow for more omni buses and car pooling. Government / RTO could give special incentives or recognitions for such institutions and companies.

3. Public Transport - vehicle maintenance should be given priority. At present lot of smoke emitting vehicles are visible around the city.

4. Verification of Certifying Agencies - It is observed that many vehicles emit high levels of smoke despite possessing mandatory pollution certificates. Though periodical pollution certification is mandatory, there is no mechanism for verifying the certificates and certification standards of the certifying agencies. Hence a verification mechanism is required.

5. Establish Monitoring Station - The city lacks a Pollution Monitoring Station to gather and maintain data on the pollution within the city. The only station in the region is located at Baikampady. A city based station should be established to monitor pollution, analyze and report on the developments.

6. Strict Action on Offenders - At present pollution seems to be a marginalized issue and the authorities are mild in dealing with pollution issues. Authorities should ensure stricter law enforcement against offending vehicles and their owners.

7. Link to Smart City Project - Pollution control should be linked into the proposed Mangalore Smart City project and all plans and proposed developments should factor pollution control too.

According to APD, Hampankatta, Balmatta, Jyothi Circe and Bunts hostels areas more polluted.