How can traffic which causes air pollution be controlled?

• Air pollution remains one of India's most pressing environmental challenges, with significant implications for public health and the economy.
• The country is home to some of the world's most polluted cities, and the issue is exacerbated by rapid urbanization, industrial activities, and an increasing number of vehicles on the road.

Air Pollution in India

• A recent report highlights that 83 out of the 100 most polluted cities globally are in India.
• According to the British Medical Journal, air pollution is responsible for 2.1 million deaths in India annually, the second-highest number after China.
• Over 99% of India's population breathes air that fails to meet the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended standards.
• The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that 12% of India’s CO2 emissions originate from road transport.
• Heavy vehicles are a significant contributor, responsible for the majority of PM2.5 (Particulate Matter) and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions.
• PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues, while NOx contributes to ground-level ozone formation, further degrading air quality.

Measures to Combat Air Pollution

• The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has developed CAFE norms to regulate fuel efficiency in vehicles.
• CAFE III and CAFE IV are set to be implemented between 2027-2037, with CO2 emission targets aimed at encouraging cleaner technologies.
• The transition to the World Light Duty Vehicle Testing Procedure (WLTP) by 2027 is a significant step, providing a more accurate measure of fuel consumption and emissions.
• However, these norms currently exclude heavy vehicles, a major source of emissions in urban areas.
• Vehicle Scrappage Policy: Introduced in 2022, this policy aims to phase out old and polluting vehicles through mandatory fitness and emissions tests.
• Regular vehicle emissions testing, banning open garbage burning, and stringent checks on industrial emissions are critical components of India’s strategy to combat air pollution.
• The government has also introduced incentives for scrapping old vehicles in states like Maharashtra, though the impact on air quality has been limited.

Additional Strategies for Addressing Air Pollution

• Effective enforcement of existing policies is crucial.
• This includes ensuring that vehicle emissions tests are conducted regularly and that industries comply with emission standards.
• The vehicle scrappage policy needs to be made mandatory and supported by adequate infrastructure, such as more scrapyards and incentives that effectively encourage vehicle owners to scrap older, polluting vehicles.
• Expanding and improving mass transit systems is essential for reducing the number of private vehicles on the road, thereby lowering overall emissions.
• Encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and providing incentives for clean energy solutions in both urban and rural areas can help reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
• Strengthening policies that promote renewable energy generation and reducing industrial emissions are also key to improving air quality.