Impact of Covid lockdown on Air Pollution Levels in Bengaluru

This report by CREA, for the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) and the Global Climate and Health Alliance (GHCA), analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 national lockdown on air pollution levels in Bengaluru. Using a network of 26 localized monitors, satellite data, and Google mobility data, the study finds a significant reduction in PM2.5 and NO2 levels, primarily attributed to the sharp decline in motorized transportation and industrial activities.

• 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.
• During the lockdown, all monitoring stations recorded daily PM2.5 levels that were under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), though only six stations fell below the WHO's recommended safe standard.
• Satellite data indicated that NO2 levels in the Bengaluru Urban region dropped by approximately 40% on average during the 45-day lockdown period, which is attributed to reduced fossil fuel consumption and vehicular movement.
• Google mobility data showed a stark decline in transportation-related activities, with visits to retail stores and malls dropping by approximately 80%, workplace attendance dropping by 65-70%, and transit station visits dropping by 62%.
• The transportation sector is identified as the primary driver of the pollution reduction. This is supported by a 2015 Urban Emissions study which noted that transport contributed 40% of PM2.5 emissions in Bengaluru, followed by dust (20%), waste (11%), and industries and 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} }