Bengaluru's Dirty Picture: Commuters embrace windcheaters as construction turns 'City of Pleasant Weather' into 'Dust Bowl'

Bengaluru’s two-wheeler riders have found an unexpected ally this season—windcheaters. Not as a guard against the weather, but as a shield from the dust enveloping the city. With several parts of Bengaluru reporting high dust levels, professionals and daily commuters alike are donning windcheaters to protect their clothes and health. Allergy specialists have also recommended covering up to minimize dust-induced sneezing fits, a TOI report stated.

Dust on the rise: commuters react

“Every morning, my shirt looks like it survived a dust storm by the time I reach the office!” said Varun Mehta, a techie from Koramangala told TOI. “I’ve started carrying a spare windcheater just to keep my work clothes clean.” The lack of rain has left Bengaluru’s roads coated in dust, leaving motorists grappling with stained clothes and irritated lungs.

Anitha Rao, a teacher and daily commuter, shared her experience: “I have a perpetual layer of dust on me! It’s not just dirty clothes anymore—I’m sneezing my way through the day. A mask and windcheater have become my survival kit.”


Ravi Kumar, who rides to his Whitefield office, added, “I never thought I’d need a windcheater for dust! But here we are, battling both stains and sneezes on these dusty roads.”

Health concerns and dust as a pollutant

Road dust, classified as PM10, consists of particulate matter with a thickness of 10 microns or less, which can affect the nose, eyes, and throat when inhaled. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), eight out of 13 air monitoring stations in Bengaluru recently identified PM10 as the city’s primary air pollutant. A PM10 level exceeding 50 micrograms per cubic meter is considered unsafe.

“Damaged roads and ongoing construction projects have made dust the major air pollutant in Bengaluru. Compared to pollutants like nitrous oxide and carbon monoxide, road dust accounts for over 60% of the city’s air pollution,” said a senior scientific officer from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB).

Medical experts weigh in

Dr. Darshana Reddy, senior consultant at Altius Hospital, noted that the increase in dust-related allergies is linked to Metro construction, poor road conditions, and dry weather. “Dust particles stay airborne, causing sneezing, coughing, and worsened respiratory issues. Effective road maintenance, dust control at construction sites, and public awareness are crucial for managing health impacts,” she explained.

Dr. Giriyanna Gowda, an allergy specialist, highlighted the risks posed by road dust: “Road dust often triggers allergies, leading to asthma and conditions like allergic bronchitis, cough, and breathlessness. For those prone to sneezing and nasal congestion, exposure to dust worsens symptoms. Avoidance is key—using N95 masks instead of regular ones offers better protection.”

Call for action

Experts emphasize the need for immediate measures to curb dust pollution in Bengaluru. Better road maintenance, stricter construction site regulations, and the use of protective gear like windcheaters and masks can help residents cope with the dust and its effects on health.