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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Udhayanidhi accuses BJP of not releasing funds for TN
Gobichettipalayam (PTI): Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday charged the BJP government at the Centre with not releasing funds to the state and accused it of "snatching" TN's rights.
Addressing a poll rally at Gobichettipalayam in the western Erode district, the DMK youth wing chief claimed the Centre has not released funds to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore for education.
"They (union government) have snatched all our rights," he charged.
With regard to the Centre's proposal for delimitation, he said chief minister M K Stalin was the first person in the country to raise the voice against the union government's move. He claimed that it was a "huge victory" for the INDIA alliance, as the bill was defeated for lack of majority after the opposition voted against it in the Lok Sabha.
Listing out various welfare measures implemented by the DMK government, he said the existing "Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai" (monthly financial assistance for women) will be doubled to Rs 2,000 if DMK was voted to power again.
The deputy chief minister charged that the BJP and AIADMK have tried to stall it by moving the court. "At present more than 1.3 crore women have benefited from the scheme", he said.
"Similarly, the breakfast scheme for the government school students will be extended till Class VIII", he said adding "more than 35 lakh college students across the state will be getting free laptops once the DMK government is formed".
Udhayanidhi also pointed out at the "Illatharasi" poll promise, providing Rs 8,000 worth of coupons to non-income tax paying women where they could buy or replace any household appliances of their choice.
Elections to 234 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu will be held on April 23 and the results declared on May 4 following counting of polled votes.
