Deepavali: Air quality moves from ‘good’ to ‘moderate’ in Bengaluru

While the air quality in Bengaluru ranged from “good” to “satisfactory” on the first day (October 20) of the Deepavali festivities, on Tuesday it was “moderate” and “satisfactory”.

As per the Central Pollution Control Board, Air Quality Index (AQI) data recorded on October 20 at 8 p.m., five of the 14 stations in Bengaluru showed the air quality as “good.”

These stations are Hebbal (32 AQI), Homegowdanagar (29 AQI), Jayanagar 5th Block, Sanegurava Halli (49 AQI) and Silk Board (26 AQI).

Six stations-BTM Layout, BWSSB Kadubeesanahalli, Bapujinagar, City Railway Station, Kasturinagar and Shivapura, Peenya recorded satisfactory air quality.

The highest recorded AQI was recorded at BWSSB Kadubeesanahalli (98 AQI) and City Railway Station (92 AQI).

AQI was not recorded at three stations- Jigani, Peenya and RVCE Mallasandra due to insufficient data for computing AQI.

On Tuesday six monitoring stations showed the air quality at a moderate level as per data recorded at 8 p.m. The highest recorded AQI was recorded at BWSSB Kadubeesanahalli (124 AQI) and City Railway Station (118 AQI).

Six other stations recorded satisfactory air quality while one Homegowdanagar (44 AQI) recorded good air quality and there was no data for RVCE Mallasandra due to insufficient data for computing AQI.

What AQI means

AQI ranging from 0-50 is considered good with minimal health impact. The AQI ranging from 51 t to 100 is considered satisfactory and the possible health impacts are minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people.

AQI ranging between 101 and 200 is considered moderate and the possible health impacts are breathing discomfort to the people with lungs, asthma and heart diseases.

AQI ranging from 301-400 is considered very poor, and the health impacts are respiratory illness on prolonged exposure. AQI ranging from 401-500 is considered severe, and the health impacts affect healthy people and seriously impact those with existing diseases.