Bangalore's Air: Strategies For Pollution Reduction

Bangalore, India, is known as 'the garden city of India', but its air quality is still far from perfect. The city's air pollution is mainly caused by vehicles and construction, with diesel still being used as fuel for many cars and motorcycles, and a large number of vehicles falling below quality control standards. To combat this, city authorities have restricted the movement of vehicles and construction activity, which has improved air quality by 60%. Other initiatives include encouraging the use of public transport, electric vehicles, and working from home. Experts also suggest that a larger network of air quality monitoring sensors is needed to understand the city's pollution levels better.

Reduce vehicle usage and encourage the use of electric vehicles

Reducing Vehicle Usage and Encouraging the Use of Electric Vehicles in Bangalore

Reducing Vehicle Usage

• The people of Bangalore can reduce emissions by walking or biking when possible.
• They can also use bike-sharing programs, public transit, carpool with friends, or use ride-sharing services.
• Planning ahead to combine multiple shorter trips into one longer trip will also help.
• Working from home, even just periodically, can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road.

Encouraging the Use of Electric Vehicles

• Electric vehicles (EVs) have a smaller carbon footprint than gasoline cars, even when accounting for the electricity used for charging.
• EVs are far more efficient when it comes to energy use, with approximately 87%-91% of the energy from the battery and regenerative braking being used to propel the vehicle. In comparison, gasoline vehicles only convert about 16%-25% of the energy from gasoline.
• EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, which means they have no impact on local air pollution.
• The Indian government can implement policies to encourage the adoption of EVs, such as subsidies, tax breaks, or other financial incentives.
• The government can also invest in infrastructure to support EVs, such as charging stations and more efficient power grids.
• Bangalore residents can be educated about the benefits of EVs and how they can help reduce air pollution.

Improve public transport and support working from home

Improving public transport and supporting working from home are crucial strategies to reduce air pollution in Bangalore. Here are some measures that can be implemented:

Improve public transport:

• The current public transport system in Bangalore, including the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses, can be made more efficient and attractive to commuters. This involves investing in newer, cleaner vehicles, optimizing routes, and improving infrastructure such as dedicated bus lanes.
• Encouraging people to use mass transport can be achieved through various initiatives. For example, implementing congestion charges for private vehicles entering congested areas, providing incentives for using public transport, and ensuring that bus and train services are frequent, reliable, and affordable.
• Electric vehicles can play a significant role in reducing emissions. Incentives such as subsidies or tax breaks for individuals and businesses adopting electric vehicles can be offered. Additionally, the government can invest in electric bus fleets and work with private companies to establish electric vehicle charging stations across the city.

Support working from home:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has already accelerated the trend of working from home, and this can have a positive impact on reducing air pollution. Companies can be encouraged to continue allowing employees to work remotely, even after the pandemic. This may involve providing the necessary technology and training to facilitate remote work effectively.
• To support employees working from home, companies can offer stipends for setting up home offices, including expenses for internet connections and other necessary equipment. Additionally, companies can promote a culture that values productivity over physical presence in the office.
• For roles that cannot be performed remotely, companies can consider offering flexible work hours to help reduce commute times and congestion during peak hours. This can include staggered work timings and compressed workweeks.

By implementing these measures, Bangalore can significantly reduce air pollution by lowering vehicle emissions and the number of vehicles on the road. Improving public transport and supporting working from home are essential steps towards creating a cleaner and healthier environment for the city's residents.

Implement stricter charges for parking and road rule violations

To reduce air pollution in Bangalore, implementing stricter charges for parking and road rule violations is key. Here are some detailed suggestions:

Increase fines for parking violations:

Bangalore already has strict no-parking rules, but the charges for violations can be raised to further deter people from parking illegally. This includes parking in no-parking zones, blocking traffic flow, and parking without the required permits. Higher fines will encourage people to follow the rules and free up space on roads, reducing congestion and air pollution.

Expand the pay and park policy:

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has implemented a pay and park policy. This policy can be expanded to cover more areas, ensuring that people pay for parking in both commercial and residential areas. This will not only generate revenue for the city but also discourage people from driving personal vehicles, reducing traffic and air pollution.

Implement a permit system for residential parking:

Currently, parking in front of someone's house requires an annual permit. This system can be expanded and strictly enforced to ensure that residents have priority for parking near their homes. This will reduce the number of people circling to find parking, thereby reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.

Raise fines for road rule violations:

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, increased fines for various traffic violations. However, these fines can be further increased to act as a stronger deterrent. For example, the fine for jumping a red light is currently ₹500, but it could be raised significantly to discourage this dangerous practice.

Enforce rules against honking in silent zones:

Honking in silent zones, such as near hospitals and schools, is prohibited and subject to a fine. However, this rule is often violated. Stricter enforcement and higher charges for violations can help reduce noise pollution and improve air quality in these sensitive areas.

Implement congestion charges:

Bangalore can follow the example of cities like London and Singapore by introducing congestion charges for driving in certain busy areas during peak hours. This will encourage people to use public transportation or carpool, reducing the number of vehicles on the road and, consequently, air pollution.

By implementing these stricter charges and rules for parking and road violations, Bangalore can take significant steps toward reducing air pollution and improving the health and well-being of its residents.

Improve air quality monitoring with a larger network of sensors

Bangalore's air quality is monitored by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), which has installed seven Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMs) across the city. These stations monitor air quality round the clock for primary and secondary pollutants.

However, air quality experts have questioned whether the number and position of these monitoring stations are adequate. Dr Pratima Singh, a research scientist at the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), has suggested that a larger network of air quality monitoring sensors is needed to better understand the city's air quality. According to Dr Singh, the Central Pollution Control Board recommends that a city with a population of one lakh should have at least four sensors to get a complete picture.

The high cost of these sensors is a significant challenge, with each real-time air quality monitoring sensor currently costing the KSPCB around Rs 1.5 crore. As an alternative, Dr Singh has suggested that a dense network of low-cost sensors could be used to more effectively understand the pollution level in the city.

By expanding the network of air quality monitoring sensors, Bangalore would be able to collect more comprehensive and detailed data on the city's air quality. This data could then be used to inform and develop effective strategies to reduce air pollution and improve the health of its citizens.

Reduce construction site dust with regular water sprinkling

Construction sites are a significant source of air pollution in Bangalore, and the dust they generate can have detrimental effects on people's health. One effective way to reduce this dust and improve air quality is through regular water sprinkling. Here are some detailed tips to reduce construction site dust through this method:

Water sprinkling is a simple yet effective way to control dust on construction sites. It is important to have a water tank on-site to regularly sprinkle and wet the dusty areas, preventing dust from becoming airborne. The frequency of water application depends on the atmospheric conditions, and it should be done a couple of times a day. While this method is inexpensive, it is time-consuming as the water dries out quickly and requires constant reapplication.

To enhance the effectiveness of water sprinkling, consider adding chemicals to the water. These chemicals, known as palliatives, help bind the dust particles together, making them less likely to be kicked up into the air. However, these chemicals can potentially pollute groundwater, so they should be used with caution. Alternatively, tackifiers and polymers can be used to modify the soil surface and reduce dust by up to 80%.

Another technique to reduce construction site dust is tillage, which involves using a plow to roughen up the surface of the dirt area. This method is surprisingly effective, capable of achieving a 90% dust reduction. While it is labor-intensive, it is a good option to reduce wind erosion and control dust.

In addition to water sprinkling, regular cleaning of the construction site is crucial. Using a vacuum cleaner at the end of each day is recommended over brooms or cloths, as brooming can blow dust particles into the air through cracks.

Furthermore, implementing wind barriers can be helpful. Fences, tree lines, and rows of perennial grass can block wind from entering the site and reduce the spread of dust.

By following these tips and regularly sprinkling water, construction sites in Bangalore can significantly reduce dust emissions, contributing to improved air quality in the city.

Frequently asked questions