Express News Service By

BENGALURU: There has been a significant reduction in air pollution levels in the stretches around two metro stations in the aftermath of the launch of the East-West Corridor, according to readings registered by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB).

KSPCB has compared figures from April and May. KSPCB Chairman Lakshman told Express, “We can say there has been a significant reduction in air pollution levels.”

The Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) values have decreased by 6 per cent at Victoria Road, which is near M G Road Metro Station in May. RSPM has also gone down by 31 per cent at City railway station during the same period. “Compared to the previous month, there is a clear difference in pollution levels,” he added.

The City received good rainfall also which may have contributed to reduction in pollution levels.

Two ambient air quality monitoring stations of the Pollution Board are located in the 18-km stretch from Baiyappanahalli to Nayandahalli, which was fully declared open to the public on April 30. One monitoring station is located at the City Railway Station while another is at DTDC Office on Victoria Road.

“We will continue the monitoring and will try to come up with readings at all our 17 ambient air quality monitoring stations too,” the Chairman said.

Traffic dept clears Metro Rail alignment at Silk Board

The Traffic department has given the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation permission for a proposed flyover and Metro Rail alignment near the Central Silk Board. Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Hithendra on Friday tweeted this information.

It may be recalled that the Chief Minister had recently announced during his City tour that a `300-crore flyover will come up at Central Silk Board with BDA paying `100 crore towards it and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation paying `200 crore.

A top Metro official said the traffic department had given the clearance, but “Other clearances for it are still pending.”