Impact of Covid lockdown on Air Pollution Levels in Bengaluru

The report finds that the COVID-19 lockdown led to a significant reduction in air pollution in Bengaluru, primarily due to a sharp decline in motorized transportation. Analysis of 26 monitoring stations showed an average 28% drop in PM2.5 levels, while satellite data indicated a 40% reduction in NO2. The most significant decrease occurred near Bellandur Lake (75%), attributed to the halt of construction and vehicular movement. Conversely, the lowest reduction was seen near Halasuru Hospital (14%), likely due to continued essential hospital visits. The study concludes that the transportation sector is the primary driver of air pollution in the city and recommends shifting to electric vehicles, enhancing public transport, and promoting non-motorized transportation to maintain breathable air quality.

• Average PM2.5 levels across all monitoring stations in Bengaluru decreased by approximately 28% during the 45-day lockdown period (25th March to 8th May 2020) compared to the 45 days prior (8th February to 23rd March 2020).
• The reduction in PM2.5 levels varied significantly by location, with the highest drop of 75% recorded near Bellandur Lake and the lowest drop of 14% recorded at the monitoring station outside Halasuru Hospital.
• Satellite data analysis revealed that NO2 levels in the Bengaluru Urban region fell by approximately 40% on average during the lockdown period, which the report attributes to reduced fossil fuel consumption and vehicular movement.
• Google mobility data showed a stark decline in transportation-related activity, with visits to retail stores and recreational places dropping by about 80%, workplace attendance by 65-70%, and transit station visits by 62%.
• The report identifies the transportation sector as the primary contributor to Bengaluru's air pollution, citing a 2015 study where transport accounted for 40% of PM2.5 emissions, followed by dust (20%), waste (11%), and industries/brick kilns (9% each).

APA

Global Climate and Health Alliance (n.d.). Impact of Covid lockdown on Air Pollution Levels in Bengaluru. https://climateandhealthalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/covid_air_pollution_Bengaluru-report-June-2020.pdf

Chicago

Global Climate and Health Alliance. Impact of Covid lockdown on Air Pollution Levels in Bengaluru. n.d. https://climateandhealthalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/covid_air_pollution_Bengaluru-report-June-2020.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Global Climate and Health Alliance |title=Impact of Covid lockdown on Air Pollution Levels in Bengaluru |url=https://climateandhealthalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/covid_air_pollution_Bengaluru-report-June-2020.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{globalclimateandhealthalliancendimpact, author = {{Global Climate and Health Alliance}}, title = {{Impact of Covid lockdown on Air Pollution Levels in Bengaluru}}, institution = {Global Climate and Health Alliance}, url = {https://climateandhealthalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/covid_air_pollution_Bengaluru-report-June-2020.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }