Steps taken by the Delhi government to control pollution Laws enforced, special measures taken

7 Steps Recently taken by Delhi Government

1. The Delhi government has proposed the odd/even rule wherein cars with odd-numbered registration plates would ply on odd dates and those with even-numbered registration plates would do so on even dates. The idea is to reduce congestion as well as to reduce pollution resulting from vehicular emissions.

2.  The Supreme Court has also banned the registration of luxury SUVs and diesel cars above 2000cc in the national capital. Diesel cars are believed to be a major source of vehicular emissions. A bench headed by the Chief Justice had noted that it was not fair for rich people to buy luxury cars and thus pollute Delhi.

3.  The top court has ordered that all taxis plying in the city must convert to CNG from March next year. Also, commercial vehicles which are registered before 2005 won’t be allowed to enter the national capital.

4. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued directions to all authorities to strictly implement earlier orders regarding the ban on burning of waste and fine on emission of construction dust. The bench called for an action taken report as well as a “list of offenders” from all authorities on the next date of hearing.

5. The NGT has asked the central and state government not to buy diesel vehicles for its personnel. It also asked public administration departments and municipal bodies to take efforts to gradually phase out diesel vehicles.

6. In a separate order, the NGT directed the state governments of Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to immediately ban the burning of crop residue. In earlier orders, the NGT had noted that the practice was contributing to the rising air pollution in the NCR.

To give alternative modes of transport to people during the odd-even rule, the government said it would add 1,000 more buses in three months. Also, 9,000 CNG contract carriages will be roped into Delhi to augment public transport.

7. The Delhi government has imposed an environment compensation penalty of Rs 50,000 on 38 major projects across the city for causing dust pollution. Officials said notices have been sent to all the projects. While a few of the projects have replied asking for ‘reconsideration’ of the compensation fee, 26 of them are yet to file their replies.

Pollution Checking by Transport Department:

Mobile enforcement teams are being deployed on regular basis at road locations for prosecution of polluting vehicles and vehicles not having PUC Certificates.

Public Awareness:

Public awareness campaigns are conducted to raise social consciousness on the issue and educate motorists about the health hazards, statutory provisions and control measures viz. engine tuning and maintenance.

Catalytic Converters:

Since April 1995, only those 4-wheeled petrol driven vehicles are registered on first sale in Delhi , which are fitted with Catalytic Converters.

Mass Rapid Transport System:

Mass Rapid Transport System is being constructed with the objective to place a non-polluting, efficient and affordable rail based mass rapid transit system for NCT of Delhi, duly integrated with other modes of transport.

Phasing out of Old Commercial Vehicles:

With a view to reduce vehicular pollution in Delhi Hon’ble Supreme Court vide its orders in CWP No. 13029 of 1985 has banned the plying of following categories of vehicles in Delhi: –

More than 15 years old commercial/ transport vehicles. Autos & Taxis driven on conventional fuels. Diesel driven city buses.

Transport Department is ensuring the effective compliance of these directions through its enforcement teams. The Govt. of Delhi has provided fiscal incentives by way of sales tax exemption and interest subsidy on loans for purchase of new replacement vehicles.

 

Tightening of mass emission standards for new vehicles:
Mass emission norms for new vehicles were introduced in the year 1991. Subsequently, these norms have been tightened for new vehicles in all categories in 1996 and 2000. At present, only vehicles (except 2 and 3 wheelers) complying with Bharat Stage III/Euro-III emission norms and 2 and 3 wheelers complying with Bharat Stage II/Euro-II emission norms are being registered in the Delhi .

Improvement in Fuel Quality: The quality of the fuel being supplied in Delhi has been significantly improved during recent years by way of: –

a. Leaded petrol has been completely phased out.

b. Introduction of Low Sulphur diesel w.e.f. August 1997 reducing Sulphur content from 0.8% gm/litre to 0.25% gm/litre. The Sulphur content of diesel supplied to NCT Delhi has been further reduced to 0.035% w.e.f.2010.

c. The quality of petrol being supplied to Delhi has been improved further by reduction of Sulphur content to 0.015% & Benzene Content to 1%

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India has tightened the emission level of CO and introduced the measurement of HC emissions in petrol vehicles. In respect of Diesel vehicles, Oil temperature & RPM measurement has been included in the test procedure. In compliance with the Gazette notification all the pollution checking Centres have been directed to get their equipment upgraded/modified/replaced with the new 4-gas analyzer and wherever they have failed to do so their authorisation has been cancelled.

Ways to Reduce Air Pollution
We make choices everyday that can help reduce air pollution. Below are a few ideas that you can take to help clean our air.

10 Steps should be taken At Home to stop pollution

1.  Conserve energy – turn off appliances and lights when you leave the room.
   Recycle paper, plastic, glass bottles, cardboard, and aluminum cans. (This conserves energy and reduces production emissions.)
2. Keep woodstoves and fireplaces well maintained. You should also consider replacing old wood stoves with EPA-certified models.
3. Plant deciduous trees in locations around your home to provide shade in the summer, but to allow light in the winter.
4. Buy green electricity-produced by low-or even zero-pollution facilities.
5. Connect your outdoor lights to a timer or use solar lighting.
6. Wash clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot.
7. Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120F.
8. Use low-VOC or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
9. Test your home for radon-a dangerous, radioactive gas that is odorless and tasteless. If the test shows elevated levels of radon, the problem can be fixed cost effectively.
10. Choose not to smoke in your home, especially if you have children. If you or your visitors must smoke, then smoke outside.

Buy Smart

1. Buy ENERGY STAR products, including energy efficient lighting and appliances. They are environmentally friendly products.
2. Choose efficient, low-polluting models of vehicles.
3. Choose products that have less packaging and are reusable.
4. Shop with a canvas bag instead of using paper and plastic bags.
5. Buy rechargeable batteries for devices used frequently.
6. Drive Wise

Plan your trips. Save gasoline and reduce air pollution.

1. Keep tires properly inflated and aligned.
2. In the summertime, fill gas tank during cooler evening hours to cut down on evaporation.
3. Avoid spilling gas and don’t “top off” the tank. Replace gas tank cap tightly.
4. Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at fast-food restaurants or banks. Park your car and go in.
5. When possible, use public transportation, walk, or ride a bike.
6. Get regular engine tune ups and car maintenance checks (especially for the spark plugs).
7. Use an energy-conserving (EC) grade motor oil.
8. Ask your employer to consider flexible work schedules or telecommuting.
9. Report smoking vehicles to your local air agency.
10. Join a carpool or vanpool to get to work.

For Your Health

1.  Check daily air quality forecasts, which tell how clean or polluted your air is, and the associated health concerns.
2. Remove indoor asthma triggers from your home and avoid outdoor triggers in order to effectively control your asthma.
3. Minimize your sun exposure. Wear sun block and UV protection sunglasses.

Steps taken by the Delhi government to control pollution Laws enforced, special measures taken