Noted oncologist and chairman of Bharath Hospital and Institute of Oncology (BHIO), Mysuru, B.S. Ajaikumar, has expressed concern over the sharp deterioration in the air quality of Mysuru.

Chairing a panel discussion on ‘Smoke-Free Mysuru – Healthy Mysuru’ organised by BHIO, Antardhwani, and the International Human Development and Upliftment Academy in Mysuru on Saturday, Dr. Ajaikumar pointed out that the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Mysuru had reached 103-116 from 53 during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Tracing the changes in AQI since the lockdown during Covid-19 in 2020, when the air was cleaner, Dr. Ajaikumar said AQI increased to 69-71 in 2021 before reaching 68 in 2022. It showed a moderate improvement in 2023 at 59. However, it spiked significantly from 63 in 2024 to 80 in 2025 before reaching 103-116 in 2026.

Pointing out that an AQI of less than 50 is generally considered safe for cities, Dr. Ajaikumar emphasised the need to improve air quality in Mysuru by addressing issues like smoking, burning garbage, and vehicular population.

Sharing BHIO’s plans to initiate a five-year plan to make Mysuru healthy, Dr. Ajaikumar said his health institution will work with authorities to monitor the real-time AQI in Mysuru and conduct cancer screening camps in urban areas in collaboration with the authorities.