Bengaluru has approved a State Action Plan for Clean Air in Karnataka as pollution levels continue to rise across the state.
The initiative, part of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), aims to cut emissions across multiple sectors through stricter regulations and enforcement.
The plan consolidates existing measures to curb PM10 emissions, focusing on industries, transport, agriculture, construction, and waste management. In Bengaluru, which struggles with traffic congestion and industrial pollution, efforts will be made to control roadside dust and soil particles in addition to reducing vehicular emissions.
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To discourage the burning of wood and solid fuels, the plan promotes increased use of LPG and the retrofitting of older power generators to meet 2022 emission standards. It also calls for tighter controls on dust from construction and demolition sites, recommending vertical coverage of construction areas and the establishment of dedicated processing plants. Authorities aim to boost awareness around using re-processed bricks from these facilities.
Beyond Bengaluru, the plan extends to smaller cities, introducing air quality monitoring for 17 categories of highly polluting industries. Karnataka has nearly 28,716 industries, with 2,652 classified as red and 8,710 as orange category. The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) is pushing major industries to install continuous air quality monitoring stations and publish environmental data online.
The plan also details waste management strategies, urging proper disposal of electronic waste, batteries, and other refuse. It supports recycling and sustainable technologies such as composting, bio-methanation, refuse-derived fuel, and waste-to-energy solutions.
According to the document, the success of the NCAP depends on governance and financial backing, with climate consciousness becoming integral to Karnataka’s development strategy. KSPCB officials said the plan seeks to unify scattered regulations into a comprehensive framework for easier enforcement.
Meanwhile, the state has directed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to utilise funds allocated under the 15th Finance Commission. Out of ₹535 crore earmarked, ₹254.69 crore has been spent, with ₹280.31 crore still in the tendering phase.
The chief secretary has urged officials to expedite the process and submit utilisation certificates without delay.