Cover-Up mode On Hubballi’s dusty streets

HUBBALLI: Masked riders and pedestrians have become a common sight across Hubballi, particularly the BRTS corridor.

While the administration and civic bodies grapple with the dust flying everywhere, residents, especially college and office commuters, have taken matters into their hands.

Scarves and dupattas have turned into masks though how effective they are in filtering dust and protecting lungs remains a question.

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board had issued notice to BRTS on rising dust levels. Along the 22km BRTS, there are more than a dozen colleges and coaching centres and students can be seen braving the dust screen every day.

The digging up of roads to repair drainage, cable work, water supply and piped natural gas has only worsened the problem. Students, especially women, say they have adopted the habit of covering their face even while walking on roads. "It's not the sun, it's the dust that is troubling us," one of them said. "As our coaching centre is located at Unkal Cross, where five roads join, we need to take care of our health and skin."