Less traffic Day' brings fresh air to the Bengaluru

BENGALURU: Here’s a good piece of news for environmental enthusiasts who have been advocating the need for less private vehicles on the road  and why it’s better to switch to public transport. The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) which records air pollution, says it has come down drastically on ‘Less Traffic Day’  with the drop  as much as 8.5% compared to a normal day.

Commenting on the decrease in air pollution, chairman of KSPCB, Mr Lakshman said, “Definitely, occasions such as Bus Day and Less Traffic Day reduce the level of pollution. We have also been successful in bringing garbage burning under control which is one of the major sources of pollution in the city.” He added that regular inspections of vehicles and requests made to agencies to control the dust emanating from construction sites, have also enhanced air quality. DC had reported on March 11 that the Air Quality Index at Silk Board and ITPL have improved since November. 

Less Traffic Day is observed to bring down air pollution by encouraging citizens to commute using public transport. The BMTC in its endeavour to decongest the city and reduce pollution, had also planned to put additional buses on certain routes. The Nitrogen Dioxide level at BTM Layout was 14.25 µg/M3 while at the CSR Railway Station, it was at 65.26. The permissible limit for NO2 is 80 µg/M3

Member secretary of KSPCB, Mr Ranga Rao added that directions are being issued to those violating the orders of the board in compliance with the existing norms.