Bengaluru: The air quality in Bengaluru showed marked improvement on Wednesday, October 23, following two days of Deepavali celebrations that saw a temporary rise in pollution levels. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city’s overall air quality shifted from the “moderate” and “satisfactory” range recorded during the festival to largely “satisfactory” levels by Wednesday evening.

Satisfactory readings across most monitoring stations

As per CPCB data recorded at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, nine of Bengaluru’s 14 active air quality monitoring stations reported “satisfactory” air quality, indicating a clear improvement since the festive weekend. The Air Quality Index (AQI) readings at these stations fell between 51 and 100, reflecting relatively cleaner air compared to the “moderate” levels (AQI 101–200) observed during the peak of the Deepavali celebrations on October 20 and 21.

Officials attributed the improvement to favourable wind conditions, reduced use of firecrackers after the main festive days, and a gradual dispersal of suspended pollutants. “The improvement in air quality is a positive trend, especially after the high emissions recorded during the two nights of firecracker use,” a senior official at the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) said.

Comparison with Deepavali period readings

On October 21, several areas in the city, including Peenya, Hebbal, and Silk Board Junction, recorded AQI values hovering around 150, placing them in the “moderate” category. In contrast, by Wednesday evening, the same locations reported much cleaner readings, with AQI levels dropping to between 70 and 90.

Residential neighbourhoods such as Jayanagar, Indiranagar, and Malleswaram also reflected this downward trend, with AQI levels improving from the mid-100s earlier in the week to under 80 by Wednesday night.

A CPCB scientist said, “The air quality in Bengaluru tends to recover faster than in northern cities like Delhi because of better wind circulation and the absence of large-scale stubble burning around the region.”

Factors aiding the improvement

Meteorologists from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that a steady increase in wind speed and favourable temperature variations helped disperse pollutants. The city experienced average wind speeds of 10–12 km/hr, which aided in flushing out particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10) that had accumulated during the festival.

“The post-festive dip in AQI is a typical pattern in Bengaluru, given its geographic and climatic conditions,” said IMD scientist M. Ravishankar, explaining that the city’s elevation and open surroundings prevent pollutants from stagnating.

Continued monitoring and public caution

Despite the improved conditions, officials have advised citizens to remain cautious about activities that could lead to short-term pollution spikes, such as waste burning or excessive vehicle idling in congested areas. The KSPCB has also continued monitoring across industrial and residential zones to track particulate levels and ensure sustained air quality.

Public health experts reiterated that even “satisfactory” air quality can affect vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory ailments. Citizens were urged to continue using eco-friendly practices during festivities and avoid open burning of waste in the following days.

Conclusion

While Bengaluru managed to recover swiftly from the Deepavali pollution spike, environmental experts stressed that sustained efforts are crucial to maintaining cleaner air. The city’s improving air quality highlights the importance of public awareness, effective regulation, and community cooperation in ensuring that festive celebrations remain joyful yet environmentally responsible.