Air quality level ‘satisfactory’ in Bengaluru on third day of Deepavali

The air quality, which was “moderate” and “satisfactory” in Bengaluru on the second day of Deepavali festivities on October 21, saw an improvement on Wednesday, with many pollution monitoring stations reporting “satisfactory” air quality.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s Air Quality Index (AQI) data recorded at 7 pm on Wednesday, nine out of 14 stations in Bengaluru showed air quality as “satisfactory”.

Three stations Hebbal (29 AQI), Homegowdanagar (45 AQI) and Silk Board (48 AQI) showed air quality to be “good”.

Only two stations BTM Layout (115 AQI) and BWSSB Kadubeesanahalli (121 AQI) recorded moderate air quality.

In contrast, on October 21, six monitoring stations showed air quality to be moderate.

AQI ranging from 0-50 is considered good with minimal health effects. AQI ranging from 51 to 100 is considered satisfactory, and possible health effects include mild respiratory discomfort for sensitive individuals.

An AQI ranging from 101 to 200 is considered moderate, and possible health effects include breathing discomfort in people with lung, asthma and heart diseases.

AQI ranging from 301-400 is considered very poor and health effects include respiratory illnesses with long-term exposure. AQI between 401-500 is considered serious and its health effects seriously affect healthy people and those with existing diseases.

On Wednesday, October 22, Particulate Matter (PM) 10 was the top pollutant at 11 stations, followed by Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 at three stations.

PM10 (particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less) and PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less).

Light rain on Wednesday evening (October 22) could also have contributed to improved air quality as fewer people burst fire crackers compared to the previous two days.

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board has allowed only bursting of green crackers between 8 pm and 10 pm during the festivities.