A comparative study of air quality and mobility patterns before, during and after the COVID-19 lockdowns (2020) in Bengaluru and their correlation with hybrid work systems in the city revealed that during the lockdown period (May 2020), a drastic 60% decrease in traffic density was observed, with corresponding decline in AQI to 61 from 95 (in pre-lockdown months).
Post-lockdown (October 2020), there was a 35% increase in traffic movement owing to restrictions being eased and onset of the festive season.
Greenpeace India’s report, Flexicity, which intended to analyse the contribution of vehicular emissions to Bengaluru’s air quality and recommend mitigatory measures in the form of flexible, hybrid work systems, also showed that the city’s AQI levels also show a steady increase in the post-lockdown period reaching pre-lockdown pollution levels over the months of October to December 2020.
