Why curbing vehicular pollution is key to the fight against foul air, Pg5

Key Highlights:

• The Delhi government recently barred non-BS VI private vehicles registered outside the city from entering, following 'severe' air quality days.
• Transport contributes to 20% or more of PM 2.5 emissions in Delhi during winter, according to IITM.
• 93% of the 2.88 crore vehicles in Delhi-NCR are light motor vehicles and two-wheelers, with 37% being BS III or older.
• BS-III and older vehicles emit significantly more pollutants like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides compared to newer BS VI vehicles.

Detailed Insights:

• Older vehicles (BS-III and earlier) have a higher emissions potential, releasing substantially more pollutants than newer models.
• Studies indicate vehicles contribute around 40% to Delhi’s PM 2.5 load, emphasizing the need to focus on cutting vehicular emissions.
• The current PUC regime doesn't measure particulate matter emissions, resulting in a lack of comprehensive data on vehicle pollution.
• Real-world emissions from pre-BS VI vehicles are much higher than lab values, even for CNG vehicles, as per an ICCT study.
• Increased vehicle registrations in Delhi post-pandemic, growing at 8.7% per year, undermine the benefits of stricter emission standards.
• Experts suggest combining measures like scrappage policy and strengthening public transportation for better results.
• Demand-side controls, such as restrictions on large social events during high-pollution periods, may help reduce vehicle movement.
• Policy inconsistency on age-based bans on vehicles was also highlighted as a challenge to effective pollution control.

Key Concepts Involved:

• PM 2.5: Fine inhalable particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, posing health risks.
• BS (Bharat Stage) VI: Emission standards set by the Indian government to regulate air pollutants from motor vehicles.
• PUC (Pollution Under Control) Certificate: Document certifying that a vehicle meets the prescribed emission standards.