KSPCB to evaluate city action plans for improving Bengaluru’s air quality based on latest studies
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) on Friday said they will be analyzing their city action plans using two recent air pollution source assessment studies in their efforts to improve air quality across the state.
While Bengaluru's deteriorating air quality is a cause for concern, studies released by the Center for Study of Science, Technology, and Policy (CSTEP) have revealed that measures targeted at polluting sources can help lower pollution levels.
According to CSTEP’s research released earlier this year, the transportation industry is the largest source (40–51%) of particulate matter, followed by road dust resuspension (17–51%). Construction dust, household gasoline, and diesel generators are among the other polluting industries.
Air has suspended particulate matter (PM) of different sizes. Many of these are a complex mixture of dust, pollen, soot, and smoke and they are hazardous. Of this, PM 2.5 is the smaller kind, with a diameter, of not more than 2.5 micrometers (fine particles). PM2.5 is considered to have a very significant health impact as it can stay in the air for days or weeks, and is small enough to invade the lung airways.
The studies, titled "Emission Inventory and Pollution Reduction Strategies for Bengaluru" and "Identification of Polluting Sources for Bengaluru," identified polluting sources/activities or hotspots for the city, which has been a major concern for air pollution regulators and policymakers.
On Friday, April 29, 2022, CSTEP held data dissemination and capacity building event for over 50 Karnataka government officials at Shangri-La, Bengaluru, where findings of the two studies were shared to ensure the implementation of solutions from the studies as well as empower government officials to make informed decisions.
At the workshop, Dr Shanth A. Thimmaiah, Chairman, KSPCB reflected on the need for micro action plans that will help pollution control boards to take effective, result-oriented action toward improving air quality. “The event is an opportunity to evaluate our work. CSTEP’s reports will be used as a base for studying and making clean air action plans for three other non-attainment cities through a Plan-Do-Check-Act approach,” he said.
Shri Vijay Mohan Raj, IFS, Principal Secretary, Ecology and Environment Department, Government of Karnataka, highlighted the need for air guilt—the guilt that comes from knowing that we are contributing to air pollution (and how)—to be felt by all and drive our actions. “To do this, data needs to be presented in simple formats that could be understood even by children. I hope that such reports can bring about last-mile changes to improve air quality,” he said.
CSTEP’s study findings revealed that Bengaluru can see possible concentration reductions of approximately 26.5%, ~13.5%, and ~9.6%, respectively, for high-, medium-, and low-emission reduction scenarios (measures clubbed with varying levels of compliance) for both PM10 and PM2.5 by 2024.
Key measures considered under the scenarios were improvement in public transportation infrastructure, diesel particulate filter installation in trucks, and a strict blanket ban on open waste burning. “Considering Bengaluru’s status as a non-attainment city, conducting a scientific assessment through source apportionment and emission inventory was crucial towards preparing efficient strategies,” said Dr. Pratima Singh, Research Scientist at CSTEP who led the study.
CSTEP—as an Institute of Repute under the National Clean Air Programme—is working with the KSPCB and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to help implement the recommendations. By training state government officials to use scientific methods to assess air quality through this event, CSTEP hopes to enhance the quality and effectiveness of policy decisions.
Ms Puja Tewary, India Coordinator, Climate and Environment Programs, Bloomberg Philanthropies, said, “Scientific evidence highlighted in the report could inform both line departments and KSPCB in preparing city micro action plans.” She reiterated that mutual collaborations among organizations are essential.
A ‘meaningful’ action plan could be prepared as a result of CSTEP’s studies, said Shri Gaurav Gupta, IAS, Chief Commissioner, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). “The studies highlight vehicular pollution and road dust as the main issues for Bengaluru. We are working on these sectors. Bengaluru is among the fastest-growing cities, and this is the main reason for air pollution,” he added.
Readers can access the study reports at https://cstep.in/publications.php
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Indian film industry mourns Asha Bhosle's death: 'Her voice lives on'
Mumbai (PTI): Tributes poured in from across the film industry for legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle, who passed away at the age of 92 following multi-organ failure at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital on Sunday.
Celebrities, including veteran actor-politician Hema Malini, Oscar winner A R Rahman, superstar Akshay Kumar, filmmaker Karan Johar, actors JR NTR and Vicky, paid homage to the late singer on social media.
Malini said she shared a deep emotional bond with Bhosle and found it hard to believe that someone so full of life was gone.
"She has made many of my songs so popular with her unique voice and style. I had a very special relationship with both Lata ji and Asha ji, who have contributed in no small measure to my rise in the film industry," she wrote.
"It is a huge loss for Maharashtra and for the whole of India that can never be compensated or replaced ever," she added.
Rahman shared a photo with Bhosle on Instagram and posted, "She lives forever with her voice and aura ..What an artist @asha.bhosle."
Kumar posted, "No words can convey the loss I feel at Asha Bhosle ji’s demise. Unki surily awaaz hamesha hamesha ke liye amar rahegi (Her melodious voice will remain immortal forever). Om Shanti."
Describing her death as a "loss of a legend", Johar said Bhosle's voice was unlike any other.
"A voice that defined not only one generation but across a span of cinematic universe. Your music will live on forever and we are blessed to experience the magic you have left behind," he said.
Actor Kajol, one of the many female stars for whom the legendary singer lent her voice, recalled watching Asha Bhosle record a song when she was 19.
"Ashatai was, is and will always be a legend .. as a singer , as a persona and as a human being .. loved everything about her.. from her love of life, food and sense of humour and off course her first love .. her singing!
"I remember going for one of her recordings for a song that never released . I was 19 and she was amazing! What she made out of that simple melody was like watching a film.. I told her then that if I could bring one tenth of what she gave the song I would be a great actor .. the only word that comes to mind to describe her is Magnificent . Now and forever! RIP @asha.bhosle .. u will forever be Ashatai to us," she wrote on Instagram.
Telugu star Jr NTR said her magical voice was the heartbeat of Indian cinema for decades.
"She leaves behind a legacy that will live on for generations and will always be remembered with respect and love. My deepest condolences to her family," he said.
Actor Vicky Kaushal wrote: "Your melodies, your kindness, your grace and warmth will live on forever."
Actor Manoj Bajpayee said he grew up listening to Asha ji like so many others.
"Her voice inspired me and awed me in equal measure. There was something magical about it, the way it could hold so many emotions at once with such ease. As an actor, I have always admired how effortlessly she could bring a song to life. Her music is timeless and will continue to stay with all of us. An irreplaceable legacy," he wrote.
Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar shared a photo of Bhosle and wrote, "Unforgettable... Asha ji."
With a career spanning over eight decades, Asha Bhosle was known for her versatility and has sung many memorable melodies, from romantic songs to ghazals to peppy numbers. Among her most popular songs are 'Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar', 'In Ankhon Ki Masti', 'Dil Cheez Kya Hai', 'Piya Tu Ab to Aaja', 'Duniya Mein Logon Ko', and 'Zaara Se Jhoom Loon Main'.
Bhosle, the younger sister of the legendary singer late Lata Mangeshkar, is survived by her son Anand Bhosle and granddaughter Zanai Bhosle.
Her last rites will be performed at Shivaji Park, Mumbai, on Monday.
Asha Tai no more! I just can’t believe how some one so full of life, she who lent so much vivacity and character to her songs has left us grieving🙏 It is especially hard for me as I have an emotional connect with Asha ji - she has made many of my songs so popular with her unique… pic.twitter.com/Q73VorrtVd
— Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) April 12, 2026
Deeply saddened by the news of Asha Bhosle ji’s passing. Her magical voice was the heartbeat of Indian cinema for decades and touched millions of hearts. She leaves behind a legacy that will live on for generations and will always be remembered with respect and love. My deepest… pic.twitter.com/U81F2NBBeD
— Jr NTR (@tarak9999) April 12, 2026
No words can convey the loss I feel at Asha Bhosle ji’s demise. Unki surily awaaz hamesha hamesha ke liye amar rahegi. Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/GNEl7QFt8M
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 12, 2026
