Bengaluru breathes easier this Deepavali as air pollution drops by 44%

Bengaluru witnessed a significant improvement in air quality during Deepavali 2025, with AQI levels falling from 120 to 83, marking a 44% reduction in pollution compared to last year.

Bengaluru recorded cleaner air this Deepavali season, with the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) reporting a 44% drop in air pollution levels compared to last year. Data from Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) revealed that the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) improved from 120 in 2024 to 83 in 2025.

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Among the 11 monitoring stations, Hebbal witnessed the most dramatic improvement, with a 179% decline in pollution levels. NIMHANS and Jigani followed closely with 62% and 60% drops respectively. Saneguruvanahalli, however, was the only area to record a slight 2% increase.

The first day of the festival on October 20 saw Bengaluru’s cleanest air, with AQI levels dropping by 98% compared to last year’s corresponding day, from 153 to 77. While the second and third days saw minor spikes, overall air quality remained significantly better.

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Compared to pre-Deepavali readings, air pollution levels during the festival also dipped by 5%, reflecting a steady improvement in environmental awareness and emission control.

However, noise pollution told a contrasting story. Continuous Ambient Noise Monitoring Stations (CANMS) reported increased noise levels at five of six monitored locations, with only Basaveshwaranagar’s Nisarga Bhavan showing a reduction.

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