Karnataka Cities Face 300% Higher Pollution Burden

A new study reveals that air pollution in Karnataka's secondary and tertiary cities has surged, placing up to 300% more pollution burden on residents and necessitating new strategies to address the issue.

The study by the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) analyzed pollution from vehicles, industries, and road dust in Hubballi-Dharwad, Davanagere, and Kalaburagi, with a focus on PM 2.5 levels.
Researchers utilized an airshed model to assess pollution sources beyond city boundaries, revealing that the pollution burden in these regions is significantly higher than previously estimated.
By 2030, PM 2.5 emissions are expected to increase by 31% in Davanagere, 38% in Kalaburagi, and 34% in Hubballi-Dharwad under a business-as-usual scenario.
Transportation is the primary source of PM 2.5 in Hubballi-Dharwad and Kalaburagi, while industries dominate in Davanagere, with significant contributions from industries outside city limits in the Hubballi-Dharwad airshed.