Bengaluru’s first ‘Clean Air Zone’ to target 90% pollution reduction in CBD

Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) plans a pilot Clean Air Zone covering MG Road, Brigade Road, Church Street, and Cubbon Park, aiming to cut particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions drastically by 2035.

Bengaluru is gearing up for a major environmental initiative as the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) begins developing the city’s first Clean Air Zone (CAZ). The pilot project will focus on the Central Business District (CBD), covering MG Road, Church Street, Brigade Road, and Cubbon Park, aiming to significantly curb air pollution by 2035.

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Officials aim to reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions by 90% and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 70%, creating a cleaner, healthier urban environment for residents, commuters, and visitors. The success of the CBD pilot will determine plans for city-wide expansion.

A meeting chaired by GBA Special Commissioner Preeti Gehlot brought together representatives from C40 Cities, a global network of leading cities tackling climate challenges, along with key urban planners and policymakers. Discussions focused on drafting the Clean Air Zone roadmap, analyzing baseline air quality, and assessing emission sources.

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The officials emphasized integration with public transport improvements, including electric bus networks, and the creation of safer walking and cycling pathways to reduce vehicular emissions. Enforcement will leverage technology such as Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to restrict high-polluting vehicles, while air quality will be continuously monitored using the Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System (AQMS).

The roadmap will take a phased approach, gradually restricting high-emission vehicles in the CBD, promoting sustainable urban mobility, and fostering a culture of clean, low-emission transport.

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