Bengaluru: Traffic gridlocks and widespread construction activities have made ITPL and Whitefield the most polluted areas in the city, as per a recent survey done by Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB).
"The national average for air pollution is 60 micrograms per cubic metre. In ITPL alone, the Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) per cubic metre is 189. Areas like Whitefield and ITPL are 15-25 per cent above the average limit," said Lakshman, Chariman, KSPCB.
Why are they so polluted? Lakshman said, these areas have high traffic density, as compared to rest of Bengaluru. Two of the major causes are construction and demolition. The debris of buildings, not disposed in a designated quarry harm the environment. Also, those buildings, demolished for construction of BMRCL's Metro rail, add to particulate matter in the air, he added.
"Road widening causes dust, potholes that remain on the road when BWSSB does not properly cover up the spots they dig, are also a factor. Citizens also burn garbage, which is harmful to the atmosphere. The BBMP is responsible for looking into that," the Chairman added.
