Accordingly a coalition of like-minded environment groups held an inaugural function in Bengaluru, making it the first Indian city to participate in the global BreatheLife campaign. Meanwhile an initiative by the World Health Organization, UN Environment, Climate and Clean Air Coalition, BreatheLife campaign aims to mobilize citizens to bring air pollution to safe levels by 2030, and has a network of 55 cities, regions and countries worldwide.
Furthermore kicking off the campaign in Bengaluru, D Randeep, BBMP's Additional Commissioner for Public Health, along with the 'Healthy Air Coalition' of European non-profit Health & Environment Alliance (HEAL), and Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA), announced the setting up of 40 air quality monitoring units at different places in the city. Of these, 15 are already functional.
Moreover the network of 15 monitors already in place was set up by HEAL and the devices have been installed at a time vehicular population on Bengaluru roads is increasing. Apparently a 2012 study was conducted by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) stated that there were 68 lakh vehicles on the city's roads. Apparently the Karnataka government's proposed elevated corridor project has also come under criticism from environmentalists and residents who say it facilitates personal vehicle over public transport.
