In India, the alarming levels of vehicular pollution have become a pressing concern, posing significant threats to public health and the environment. To address this critical issue, various measures have been implemented to control and mitigate the adverse effects of vehicular emissions. Recognizing the urgent need for action, both governmental and non-governmental initiatives have been undertaken to curb pollution levels and promote sustainable transportation practices. From the enforcement of stringent emission norms to the promotion of alternative fuels and the adoption of eco-friendly technologies, a multifaceted approach is being employed to combat vehicular pollution across the country. These measures aim not only to reduce harmful emissions but also to foster a cleaner and healthier environment for current and future generations.
VEHICULAR EMISSION IN INDIA
- Vehicle emissions significantly contribute to air pollution in urban areas.
- Typically, these emissions account for 20-30% of Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 at the breathable air quality level.
- PM2.5 refers to particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, more than 100 times thinner than human hair, and they remain suspended for extended periods.
- Studies indicate that vehicles contribute approximately 290 gigagrams (Gg) of PM2.5 annually.
- Simultaneously, the transport sector is responsible for around 8% of total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions in India, with Delhi experiencing an even higher percentage, exceeding 30%.
VEHICULAR EMISSION IN THE WORLD
- A quarter of total emissions is attributed to the transport sector, with road transport contributing three-quarters of these emissions and making up 15% of total global CO2 emissions.
- Among road transport, passenger vehicles represent the largest segment, releasing approximately 45% of CO2 emissions.
- If current conditions persist, it is projected that annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2050 will be 90% higher than those recorded in 2020.
ISSUES IN INDIA’S METHOD OF REDUCING EMISSION
- In India, the automotive industry is undergoing rapid technological advancements, marked by improvements in fuel quality, enhancements in exhaust treatment systems for Internal Combustion Engines (ICE), a shift towards electrification in certain vehicle segments, and endeavors in the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
- However, it is anticipated that both current and upcoming generations of ICE vehicles will continue to constitute a significant portion of the on-road fleet until at least 2040, if not longer.
- Addressing this scenario necessitates not only a substantial tightening of emissions standards but also the adjustment of technical parameters for vehicle testing to effectively reduce emissions in real-world conditions.
TESTING METHODS FORMULATED IN INDIA
- The Indian Drive Cycle (IDC) was initially introduced as the first driving cycle for vehicle testing and certification in India, based on extensive road tests.
- This cycle comprised six modes, each lasting 108 seconds, simulating a pattern of acceleration, deceleration, and idling.
- However, the IDC fell short of encompassing all the intricate driving conditions typically encountered on Indian roads.
- To address these limitations, the Modified Indian Drive Cycle (MIDC) was introduced as an enhancement over the IDC.
- The MIDC aligns with the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) and incorporates broader speed profiles, making it a more suitable cycle than the IDC.
- Furthermore, MIDC closely reflects idling conditions observed in real-world driving scenarios.
- Despite these improvements, MIDC may not fully represent vehicular emissions during on-road conditions due to variations in traffic density, land-use patterns, road infrastructure, and inadequate traffic management.
- Therefore, there is a growing need to adopt the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedures (WLTP). WLTP is a globally harmonized standard designed to determine pollutant levels from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and hybrid cars.
- This standardized approach aims to provide a more accurate representation of emissions under diverse real-world driving conditions.
INITIATIVES TO REDUCE EMISSIONS IN INDIA
Transition from Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) to Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) Emission Norms:
Bharat Stage (BS) emission standards are established by the government to control the emission of air pollutants from internal combustion and spark-ignition engine equipment, including motor vehicles.
As per government directives, vehicle manufacturers are required to produce, sell, and register only BS-VI (BS6) vehicles starting from April 1, 2020.
Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India by 2025:
The roadmap outlines a phased introduction of ethanol-blended fuel to achieve E10 fuel supply by April 2022. Subsequently, there is a planned rollout of E20 from April 2023 to April 2025.
Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicle (FAME) Scheme:
The FAME India Scheme is designed to incentivize various vehicle segments. The scheme consists of two phases:
- Phase I: Commenced in 2015 and concluded on March 31, 2019.
- Phase II: Initiated in April 2019 and is scheduled for completion by March 31, 2024.
National Hydrogen Energy Mission:
This mission aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote the use of renewable energy sources. It aligns India’s initiatives with global best practices in technology, policy, and regulation.
FAQs MEASURES TO CONTROL VEHICULAR POLLUTION IN INDIA
1-What is the contribution of vehicle emissions to air pollution in India?
A: Vehicle emissions typically contribute to 20-30% of Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 at breathable air quality levels.
2-What does PM2.5 refer to, and why is it significant?
A: PM2.5 refers to particles with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometers, over 100 times thinner than human hair, contributing significantly to air pollution.
3-How much PM2.5 do vehicles contribute annually in India?
A: Studies estimate that vehicles contribute around 290 gigagrams (Gg) of PM2.5 annually.
4-What is the percentage of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from the transport sector in India?
A: The transport sector contributes around 8% of total GHG emissions in India, with Delhi experiencing levels exceeding 30%.
5-What percentage of total emissions is attributed to the transport sector globally?
A: A quarter of total emissions is attributed to the transport sector globally.
6-How much of the global CO2 emissions does road transport contribute?
A: Road transport contributes three-quarters of transport emissions and makes up 15% of total global CO2 emissions.
7-Which vehicle segment contributes the most to CO2 emissions in road transport globally?
A: Passenger vehicles represent the largest segment, contributing about 45% of CO2 emissions.
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