CNG factsheetCountries
across the world are taking the natural gas path to clean their polluted air. (in pdf
format) Diesel factsheet
The diesel lobby is crying hoarse to promote diesel as the fuel of the future. If diesel
is so clean why are more and more governments moving away from it? (in pdf format)
Oct 4, 2002 FLAWS IN THE PLAN: The Delhi government
has been testing vehicle emissions for over 10 years now. But there are serious flaws in
the current PUC programme, as has been noted by two international experts recently in the
capital on invitation from CSE.
Improve fuel. Improve emission technologies
Introduce Euro-IV equivalent emission standards by 2005 so that we can claim the best
technologies for pollution control. Let the market decide once emission norms are locally
competitive. Carmakers, you believe in the market, don't you?
Ban private diesel cars, restrict dieselisation of commercial
fleet or introduce Euro IV urgently
Diesel emissions are toxic. Killer fumes. Diesel vehicles will continue to grow because of
distorted fuel prices. Ban it, or advance norms to bring in ultra low sulphur diesel that
puts paid to particulate pollution.
Improve 2-wheeler emission norms
Introduce Bharat Stage II norms from 2004 and Bharat Stage III norms from 2006. Set
emission norms for particulates by 2004. Two-wheelers are an Asian phenomenon. Only we can
make the technology push.
Boost alternative fuels — CNG, LPG — and zero
emission vehicles
Alternative fuels allow us a quantum leap in controlling emissions. Take CNG: its
introduction allows us to advance emission norms by eight years in terms of particulate
emissions. Ten per cent of all private vehicles should run on alternative fuels by 2003;
keep adding progressively each year. At least 10 new two-wheelers should be on LPG
by 2003. Introduce zero-emission vehicles—battery three-wheelers—at least 10 per
cent by 2004. Old vehicles need to be taken care of, whether we like it or not. Phasing
out is difficult. So move old cars and goods vehicles to CNG.
Introduce an effective inspection system to check emissions.
Put into place an emission-warranty system that holds the manufacturer responsible
PUC (pollution under control) is a farce today. Emissions norms in use today were set 20
years ago. Stop this tail-pipery. Implement stringent norms and instrumentation to check
deterioration of vehicles. Improve registration database. Put in place an annual fitness
check and certification for all private vehicles by 2003.
Audience members raised questions about government
apathy
Increase the share of clean public transport in the city.
Incite people to travel in buses, and give them buses they can travel in. Control the cars
Its funny, but today private transport in the city is subsidised. Public transport pays
higher taxes. Why must we bow down to automobile lobby pressure? Reverse the trend. Make
public transport efficient, and convenient. It is the green agenda. Tax private vehicles.
Freeze their numbers by 2005.
Introduce strong fiscal incentives for change. Ever thought of
a Green Tax Plan?
Give tax incentives to advanced emission vehicles. Encourage manufacturers to bring in
cleaner vehicles. Introduce annual road tax for vehicles, linked to emissions and age. Tax
private. Subsidise public.
Steering the way
The computer-generated Anil Agarwal Clean Air Model, developed by CSE,
assesses what it takes to clean up Delhi's
air. Some astounding results: had the Supreme Court not intervened, Delhi would have been
choking on 38 per cent more particulates. DTE Nov 15, 2002
Penetrating
evidence
For those immune to the known dangers of vehicular pollution,
a new study paints a scary picture of the losing battle fought by the lung’s defence
mechanism against air pollution. DTE Sept 15, 2002
No
Escape
A recent US study has conclusive evidence on the deadly nature of evidence on the deadly
nature of unseen, fine particulate matter in the air emitted by the combustion of fossil
fuels. A review of the global scientific evidence on these tiny killers.
DTE Apr 15, 2002
Sabotage The inside story of how the Union government, experts and automakers have
conspired to compromise Delhi's public health and to sabotage the Supreme Court order on
CNG. DTE Sept 30, 2001
ACCOLADES FOR POPULARISING SCIENCE
Improve fuel. Improve emission technologies 
