Diwali effect: Pollution in HSR is ‘moderate to poor’
Call it the Diwali effect or after effect, but the pollution in Bangalore and HSR Layout that was largely borderline has gone up by three times… from 65 to over 160. That’s an oscillation of pollution levels from moderate to poor. And these are the readings at the Silk Board monitor, the closest to HSR Layout.
The highest reading in the last 24 hours came at 11pm yesterday at 162 (ug/m3) when the safety limit is to be below 60. Anything between 60 and 120 is considered moderate to poor, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. And these readings are taken from them. The next highest reading occurred at 8am yesterday at 128 and again at 12am today: 119.69. What is even worse is that even the 24-hour average was 86.62, 40% above the safety limit.
The 24-hour average is still above the safety limit of 60, which is just as bad
The fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) is the most harmful pollutant as it not only affects visibility but also travels deep inside our lungs and cause cancer, strokes and so on. Despite the Supreme Court order, firecrackers went off regularly in HSR Layout, and the cops did not act on them. This was the case across the city as well, and this is the pollution that we all have to suffer.
Tell us, dear reader, what do you think can be done to arrest the air pollution? Should there be an odd-even rule here as well? Should only car pool taxies be allowed except the ones that go to the railway station and airport? Will air purifiers at home help? If you are an expert or have done your own experiments in air pollution that have reduced the contaminants in your house, share your story with us, so we can share it with the world. WhatsApp us (98805-85748).