Vehicular emissions
Why in news?
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) recently formed a 15-member panel to study strategies for curbing vehicular emissions in Delhi-NCR, with a report expected in two months, as these emissions are a major source of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants.
Key Pollutants and Impacts
- Vehicles emit CO, NOx, volatile organic compounds, PM2.5, and black carbon, with road transport accounting for about 15% of global CO2 emissions and 20-30% of urban particulate matter in India.
- Older vehicles under BS-III norms produce higher emissions compared to BS-VI standards, which have reduced PM by up to 82% and NOx by 68% through better engine tech and aftertreatment.​
Mitigation Measures
- India's Bharat Stage norms have progressively tightened limits, phasing out older vehicles and promoting BS-VI compliance nationwide since 2020.
- Transition to electric vehicles, improved public transport, and congestion pricing help reduce emissions, alongside global efforts like Euro standards that cut NOx and particulates.​
