CAQM forms committee to chart paln to reduce vehicular pollution

An expert committee has been set up to fix a roadmap for reducing vehicular emissions in Delhi-NCR, Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said on Friday.

Vehicular pollution is one of the most persistent sources of air pollution in Delhi-NCR. Vehicular exhaust contributes significantly to PM 2.5, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds across the NCR, posing major public health risks.

The commission said that the new committee aims to review current mobility policies, assess emission sources across vehicle segments and recommend measures for lowering pollution from transport.

This committee will submit its report within two months, with the option of issuing interim recommendations. The first meeting is scheduled for December 15, the CAQM said. The panel brings together experts from engineering, public health, air quality research and the automotive sectors.

The committee will be chaired by Prof Ashok Jhunjhunwala of IIT-Madras, with former AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria as co-chair. The CAQM said the committee would review existing clean-mobility policies, such as Bharat Stage emission norms, EV initiatives and fuel-efficiency rules, while assessing how various types of vehicles contributed to pollution and public exposure.

It will also propose regulatory and technology-based measures to cut emissions.

The panel will also study infrastructure needs, costs and incentive structures required for faster adoption of electric vehicles.

The CAQM said the committee may consult stakeholders and co-opt additional experts as required. The recommendations are expected to guide policy decisions, aimed at lowering emissions from Delhi-NCR’s growing vehicle fleet.