Amid growing discussions about air quality across the country, Bengaluru residents have expressed shock as the city’s AQI levels crossed 100. “Bengaluru’s AQI is concerning. I saw the fog and checked the AQI, and was shocked at what it was,” wrote one Reddit user, sharing a picture of an AQI metre reading 169, a level that falls in the unhealthy category. Currently, Delhi’s AQI reportedly stands at around 339, in the hazardous range, with several pockets recording even higher numbers. Across Bengaluru, residents have been posting their own readings: HSR Lay out registered 132, Whitefield hit 170, KR Puram showed 118, Bommanhalli recorded 168, and even Cubbon Park — the city’s green lung — reportedly touched 105. Outside Bengaluru, Mysuru recorded an AQI of 144. But what is really driving Bengaluru’s rising AQI? Let’s find out.
Why the city’s AQI is in trouble
City urban planner Naresh V Narasimhan notes that there are multiple reasons for Bengaluru’s rising air pollution. “Every month, around 3,500 new vehicles are added to the streets. In fact, the private vehicle population is now equal to the population itself, which is probably one of the worst ratios in the world. Out of total registrations, more than 65–70% of vehicles hit the road each day, which is quite a lot. Construction work, both public and private, is also contributing massive amounts of dust particles, with very little regulation in place.”
Unlike Delhi, Bengaluru’s air pollution is almost entirely traffic- and transport-dependent, which makes it a serious concern. We need to pinpoint where AQI is crossing 100 and act quickly
Vishwanath Srikantaiah, activist and educator
Is Bengaluru heading for Delhi-level pollution?
Experts point out that Bengaluru is somewhat fortunate compared to Delhi, as it sits on a ridge and is quite windy, so the smog doesn’t stagnate like in the north. “But even so, particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are already pushing the limits. The world standard is 10, and India’s permissible limit is being tested frequently,” notes Narasimhan.
The way forward…
Vishwanath Srikantaiah, activist and educator, says, “We need to rethink our private transport model and expand public transport as much as possible, including increasing the BMTC fleet. The problem is directly linked to traffic, and unless we act, it will only get worse. This is not seasonal; it’s a result of the steadily increasing number of cars on the road. The long-term trend points to worsening air quality.” Narasimhan notes, “Stricter control on tailpipe emissions, a shift from private to public transit, and rigorous construction and dust regulations are crucial. Without these measures, the situation will only worsen.”
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