Bengaluru’s air quality 98% better than last Deepavali, but noise pollution rises: KSPCB
Bengaluru: Bengaluru witnessed a significant improvement in air quality this Deepavali, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) showing a 98 percent improvement compared to last year’s festival and a 7 percent dip compared to normal days, according to data from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB).
However, the city saw a noticeable increase in noise pollution levels during the festivities, as reported by Deccan Herald on Wednesday.
Monitoring stations at Majestic and Mysuru Road recorded AQI levels of 104 and 109, respectively — both slightly above the threshold considered safe.
Peenya saw a 52 percent rise in air pollution compared to pre-Deepavali levels, while Hoskote and Dasarahalli also recorded higher readings. In contrast, AQI showed improvement at stations in Mysuru Road, Hombegowda Nagar, Jayanagar, Hebbal and Silk Board Junction.
Officials attributed the better air quality to reduced traffic congestion, as many Bengaluru residents left the city to celebrate the festival in their hometowns.
Despite the improvement, AQI readings above 100 remain a concern, especially for individuals with lung or heart ailments, as well as among children and older adults.
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Communal hate speech case: Bail granted to Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat
Mangaluru: RSS leader Dr. Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat has been granted bail by the Puttur Fifth Additional District and Sessions Court in a case related to alleged communal hate speech.
The case pertains to a complaint filed against Bhat for delivering a speech during a Deepotsava event that was allegedly communal, derogatory towards women, and capable of disturbing public order. The incident took place on October 22 at Uppalige in Puttur taluk during the Deepotsava and Gopuja programme, where Bhat was present.
Following the complaint filed by Eshwari Padmunja at the Puttur Rural Police Station, the police had issued a notice directing Bhat to appear for inquiry. Subsequently, Bhat filed an anticipatory bail petition before the court.
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During the hearing on October 27, the court issued an interim order restraining coercive action and adjourned the matter to October 29 for complete hearing. On October 29, the counsel representing complainant Eshwari Padmunja sought permission to argue under Sections 338 and 339 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The court adjourned the matter several times post that.
On Wednesday, the court granted bail to Prabhakar Bhat.
Advocate Mahesh Kaje represented him in the proceedings.
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