With pollution levels climbing steadily across the city and its expanding outskirts, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) is preparing a fresh set of measures aimed at improving air quality and tackling the severe contamination of lakes and waterbodies. Officials say the deterioration has reached a worrying threshold, particularly due to the spike in PM2.5 levels — microscopic pollutants known to trigger a range of respiratory and cardiovascular ailments.

Consultations underway to tackle PM2.5 surge

KSPCB chairman PM Narendraswamy said the board is in active consultation with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), scientific advisers and environmental specialists to draft immediate and long-term responses to reduce suspended particulate matter in the atmosphere.

“The city was once renowned globally for its clean, ambient air. Earlier, Bengaluru’s major junctions had water fountains that functioned as natural diffusers, absorbing dust through moisture. Over the years, these features vanished, and the consequences are now visible in the dust-heavy air we breathe,” Narendraswamy said.

To counter this rise in pollution, the board is exploring the installation of large-capacity outdoor air purifiers at busy traffic points. According to Narendraswamy, previous pilot projects conducted by KSPCB showed positive results in reducing dust concentration in high-traffic zones.

“We have already written to the CPCB seeking permission to install these purifiers again. The proposal is under review. If approved, we will deploy them at some of the busiest junctions in the city,” he added.

Most STPs in Karnataka remain non-functional

While the air quality situation has garnered attention, Narendraswamy stressed that the pollution of rivers, lakes and storm-water drains across Bengaluru and the rest of Karnataka is equally alarming. Shockingly, over 90% of sewage treatment plants (STPs) in the state are dysfunctional.

He pointed out that although several industries, residential layouts and apartments have mandated STPs, a majority fail to operate them due to negligence, lack of maintenance or financial considerations. The Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB), he said, continues to focus primarily on developing industrial layouts without ensuring compliance with effluent treatment norms, which has resulted in substantial contamination of natural waterbodies.

“This has led to widespread pollution of our rivers and lakes. The situation is now serious enough to require urgent corrective steps,” he warned.

Real-time monitoring system proposed for STPs

As part of the solution, KSPCB has proposed forming a joint enforcement task force comprising officials from KSPCB, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and KIADB. The team will intensify inspections and take immediate action against units that violate pollution norms.

Under the new proposal:

  • Each STP in Karnataka will be assigned a unique location-based code.
  • All STP operations will be linked to a central command centre.
  • Officials will be able to virtually monitor STP performance in real time, similar to the monitoring of ambient air quality data.

“This will ensure accountability and constant oversight. Regional officers and the joint enforcement team can track STP operations and quickly identify failures or shutdowns,” Narendraswamy said.

KSPCB funds cannot be diverted, chairman clarifies

Responding to the chief minister’s recent direction to divert KSPCB funds to mitigate human–wildlife conflict, Narendraswamy clarified that the board cannot legally allocate funds for purposes not prescribed under environmental laws.

“The fines and penalties we collect fall strictly under the Water and Air Pollution Control Acts. These Acts specify how funds must be spent. In Punjab, a similar diversion of ₹300 crore was blocked following court intervention,” he said, adding that KSPCB will abide by statutory guidelines.

Awards to honour conservationists

As part of its golden jubilee celebrations, KSPCB will honour 23 conservationists from Karnataka with the prestigious Indira Priyadarshini Environment Awards. The felicitation ceremony will be held on 19 November at Palace Grounds, Bengaluru. The awards recognise individuals and organisations making significant contributions to environmental protection and conservation.

Conclusion

With Bengaluru grappling with rising pollution levels and the rapid degradation of its lakes and rivers, KSPCB’s planned interventions mark a crucial step toward restoring ecological balance. Whether it is the installation of large-scale air purifiers, strict monitoring of STPs or targeted enforcement, officials emphasise that coordinated action and sustained public cooperation are essential to slowing the city’s environmental decline.