Residents in parts of Bengaluru have raised serious concerns over alleged illegal waste burning and worsening air pollution, saying several neighbourhoods are regularly blanketed by thick smoke during late-night hours.
People living in Kambipura, near Kumbalgodu on the city’s southwestern edge, said mornings often begin with the smell of burning waste instead of fresh air.
Residents cite dangerous AQI levels
According to residents, air quality monitors installed locally recorded repeated spikes in PM2.5 levels above 175 µg/m³. They alleged the worst reading touched an AQI of 488 around 1 am on April 23.
Families claim smoke becomes severe between 1 am and 3 am, forcing them to shut windows, run air purifiers and use inhalers.
Gunjan Zutshi said the issue has continued for years despite repeated complaints.
Petition sent to pollution boards
Residents submitted a petition on April 21 to the Central Pollution Control Board and Karnataka State Pollution Control Board seeking urgent intervention.
Locals allege that apart from open garbage burning, some industrial units may be burning leftover plastic, rubber and other non-recyclable materials.
Similar fears in east Bengaluru
Residents of Rampura near Bidarahalli have also reported prolonged smoke exposure allegedly linked to waste burning near a plastic shredding unit.
A resident of Prestige Augusta Golf Village claimed thick smoke enters homes at night and children in the area have developed breathing issues.
Panchayat denies major issue
Officials from Kumbalgodu panchayat reportedly denied a garbage-burning crisis, stating that two waste collection trucks are already operating and two more vehicles are expected after government approval.
Growing urban challenge
The complaints highlight wider environmental concerns in Bengaluru’s rapidly expanding outskirts, where residents say civic systems and enforcement have failed to keep pace with growth