To enhance the air quality in Bengaluru, the Karnataka government has sanctioned 11 projects totalling ₹140 crore.
What’s it about? The initiatives received funding from the 15th Finance Commission and have already received state approval. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), the Department of Horticulture, and the Directorate of Urban Land Transport each received one of the eleven works (DULT). The BBMP had received ₹279 crore for these projects earlier as well; however, the funds were not utilised completely.
- The BMTC has been given several tasks, such as electrifying bus depots (for 20 crore rupees), purchasing five double-decker buses (10 crore rupees), marketing public transportation (1 crore rupees), and delivering 100 electric feeder buses (Rs 13 crore).
- The Palike had suggested constructing TenderSURE roads, buying mechanical sweeper equipment, installing sensors to detect pollution, and installing drinking fountains at 42 traffic crossings. These ideas, however, have not yet been put into action.