Delhi chokes: PMO flags vehicles, 37% non-compliant, calls for EVS, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• A high-level meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister addressed rising pollution in Delhi-NCR.
• 37% of vehicles in Delhi-NCR are still under BS I to BS III emission norms.
• Delhi accounts for approximately 1.57 crore of the NCR's 2.97 crore registered vehicles.
• States were directed to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and expand charging infrastructure.
• The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi reached 'very poor' levels, crossing 350, triggering GRAP Stage 2.
• NCR states are urged to deploy ANPR, RFID, and ITMS systems for enforcement.

Detailed Insights:

• The emphasis on transportation arises from Delhi's disproportionate vehicle load within the NCR, occupying only 2.7% of the geographical area.
• The Commission for Air Quality Management identified transportation and vehicular pollution as key concerns.
• States are advised to revise EV policies for faster adoption across vehicle types with defined timelines.
• MORTH is tasked with expediting a study on pollution from fossil fuel vehicles.
• States were also advised to notify cab and bike aggregator policies and develop a unified monitoring portal.
• From October 15 to November 23, average PM10 levels were around 295 ug/m3, and PM2.5 levels averaged 171 ug/m3.
• Despite efforts, registration of petrol-run two-wheelers significantly outpaces EV registrations.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Air Quality Index (AQI): A measure of air quality based on pollutants like particulate matter and ozone.
• GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan): A set of measures to combat air pollution based on AQI levels.
• BS (Bharat Stage) Emission Norms: Standards set by the government to regulate air pollutant output from motor vehicles.