Pollution by Diesel Vehicles

Pollution by Diesel Vehicles

As reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the rise in air pollution in the country cannot be attributed by diesel vehicles only. The level of pollution in a given place is a concoction of emissions from various sources like industries, vehicles, domestic sources, Gen-sets, open burning of plastic, tyres. Further, meteorological conditions also play vital role in stagnation and dispersion of air pollutants. The major emissions from diesel vehicles are Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM10). The rapidly increasing vehicular population across the country is a matter of concern and it is likely to negate the positive impacts of the pollution control measures taken by the Central Government for controlling vehicular pollution. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is monitoring ambient air quality at various locations in the country under National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP). This was stated by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today. The Minister further stated that no specific expert committee has been constituted by the CPCB for reduction of air pollution from the vehicles. However, recently in December, 2012, Government of India has constituted an Expert Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. Saumitra Chaudhuri, member, Planning Commission to draw the Auto Fuel Vision Policy road map up to the year 2025. Steps taken to reduce air pollution in cities, include; • Bharat stage-IV emission norms have been implemented in 13 mega cities including National Capital Region (NCR) for new 4-wheelers in 2010. • Mass emission standards (Bharat stage III) have been notified for two, three wheelers and diesel driven agricultural tractors from April 1, 2010 throughout country. • Operating Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mode as fuel in all public transport vehicles in Delhi. • Introduction of metro in Delhi to promote use of mass public transport system. • Central and State Pollution Control Boards are implementing the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981, to restore Air quality. • A mutually time targeted programme is implemented under Corporate Responsibility on Environment Protection (CREP). • Source-apportionment studies for fine particulate matter in ambient air in six cities namely; Delhi, Kanpur, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Pune; • Implementation of action plan in 16 highly polluted cities as well as action plan oriented approach for 43 Critically Polluted Areas under a Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index prepared by CPCB. RM/RS- USQ3725 - RS (Release ID :95321)