Winter pollution crisis in megacities of India: Going beyond Delhi Bangaluru

March 18, 2025

Bengaluru recorded its lowest winter PM2.5 levels in four years, with an average concentration of 37 µg/m³ during the 2024-25 winter season—marking a 7 per cent decline compared to the previous three winter seasons, according to a new analysis by the Urban Lab at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Despite this improvement, seasonal pollution spikes and localized hotspots remain a concern across the city

The highest daily PM2.5 level this winter was recorded on November 1, 2024, at 67 µg/m³, reflecting a 40 per cent drop from previous winter peaks. However, certain locations experienced significantly higher pollution surges— RVCE recorded the highest daily peak at 141 µg/m³.