Air quality in Bagalkot

What is the current level of air pollution in Bagalkot?

Bagalkote, is a city in the state of Karnataka, India, which is also the headquarters of Bagalkote district. It is situated on the banks of the River Ghataprabha about 570 kilometres south east of Mumbai. According to the 2011 census, Bagalkot had an estimated population of approximately 112,000 inhabitants.

Towards the middle of 2021, Bagalkot was experiencing a period of “Moderate” air quality with a US AQI reading of 89. This United States Air Quality Index number is an internationally used set of metrics supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is used to compare the air quality in different cities throughout the world using comparable standards. It is calculated by using the levels of the six most commonly found pollutants. If figures are not available for all six, the figure is calculated using what information is available. Four main pollutants were recorded for Bagalkot which were as follows: PM2.5 - 22.8 µg/m³, PM10 - 38 µg/m³, ozone (O₃) - 8 µg/m³ and sulphur dioxide (SO₂) - 6.4 µg/m³.

With levels such as these, the advice is to close doors and windows to prevent more dirty air from entering the room. Those of a sensitive disposition are advised to remain indoors or if travel outside is unavoidable, then a good quality mask is recommended. The table at the top of this page will help with that decision.

Does the air quality vary in Bagalkot throughout the year?

Air quality can be affected by many variables and therefore can change rapidly due to atmospheric conditions such as wind speed and direction and the strength of sunlight. Looking back at the figures for 2020 published by the Swiss air monitoring company, IQAir.com it can be seen that from March until the end of December, Bagalkot had “Moderate” quality air with figures between 12.1 and 35.4 µg/m³. The exception was for the month of October when a spike occurred which plunged the air quality into the “Unhealthy” classification with a reading of 58.6 µg/m³. The two remaining months of January and February saw the air quality as being “Unhealthy for sensitive groups” with figures between 35.5 and 55.4 µg/m³.

The first annual average records were for 2020 when the level was recorded as being 29.6 µg/m³. However, this may not be a truly accurate reading because of the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many vehicles were no longer used as the drivers were furloughed and not required to commute to and from work. There were also many factories and other non-essential production units which were temporarily closed in an attempt to prevent the spread of the virus.

What is the source of the air pollution in Bagalkot?

This pollution is caused by the burning of stubble, smoke of vehicles and smoke of industry. Another major source of air pollution, especially in the more rural areas is the use of dried cow dung as a fuel. Roughly 85 per cent of the population in rural areas of India is using conventional fuel for cooking. Also, about 45 per cent of the rural population has no electricity. Most villagers believe that when cow dung is found easily and free, why should they spend money to buy an LPG connection and gas stove. In certain areas the dried dung cakes can be used as currency which makes them even more popular. They are often mixed with dried leaves and small sticks which, again, produce a large amount of smoke when burned.

Young children often stay with mum as she cooks the family meals. The kitchen is often poorly ventilated and soon fills with the dirty smoke.

What can be done to reduce the level of air pollution in Bagalkot?

Air pollution will be reduced by 30 to 40 percent by 2024 in 120 cities facing the country's pollution problem. In this, the Union Ministry of Environment will work closely with representatives of the State Pollution Control Board, local bodies of cities and representative institutions. The Ministry will provide technology and financial assistance in this campaign.

BS-6 petrol and diesel have been reduced by 160 per cent in the last 5 years due to the introduction of diesel in the country.

The e-bus was approved for 62 cities, but only 20 cities have shown an interest in it. Therefore, the Central Government has now decided that the portion of cities which will not take buses will be given to other cities, who did show an interest in it.

A mobile emission testing vehicle has been introduced which examines vehicles over 15 years old and tests the emissions. If their emissions do not meet the standards then the driver is fined.

What are the health impacts of breathing Bagalkot’s poor air?

During pregnancy, we take care of all the precautions like eating, drinking, getting up and sitting and exercise etc. Due to this, the health of the pregnant woman as well as her baby remains good, but if you are not breathing pure air despite taking all these precautions, then it can be a matter of concern for both of you. Yes, we are talking about air pollution, in which breathing can have a bad effect on the pregnant woman and her baby. If a pregnant woman is forced to breathe in polluted air, then its direct effect can be seen on her pregnancy.

About three million children are born prematurely every year due to air pollution, so then the child may have a problem with malnutrition. Apart from this, he may also be at risk of diabetes, heart related diseases and high blood pressure.

Air pollution comes in many forms. This is usually due to nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, smoke coming out of the vehicle, smoke, dust and chemicals from the factory air. Exposure to it can cause respiratory diseases like coughs, wheezing, eye and sinus irritation, bronchitis, asthma and emphysema, severe fatigue, decreased lung capacity and shortness of breath, damage to lungs and heart, fatal diseases such as cancer. It has the most effect on pregnant women, children under the age of 14 years, infants and the elderly.