A report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has expressed concern over air pollution in Pune due to dust and vehicle emissions, and has called for raising the standards of road infrastructure and public transport in the city.
The report, ‘Air quality monitoring, emission inventory and source apportionment study for Indian cities: national summary report’, was published recently, based on the results of a study carried out in Bangalore,
Chennai, Delhi, Kanpur, Mumbai and Pune.
The primary focus of the study was on respirable particulate matter (PM10) or dust, although it also deals with other pollutants. The report is intended to provide a scientific base to policy makers and stakeholders.
City-based Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) took part in the study. Its team consisted of MK Chaudhari, AA Baikerikar, Ujjwala Kalre, Moqtik Bawase, SA Varade and PN Pawar.
The report says that the public transportation system in Pune is inadequate.
This increases the use of personal vehicles, which in turn contributes to road dust and vehicle emissions. An effective mass transport system must be set up to curb the tendency to own personal vehicles.
It noted that the average occupancy of two-wheelers is 1 and that of cars around 1.3 in the city. The shift of these occupants to public transport would reduce dust and nitrogen oxide.
Continuous power supply must also be ensured to avoid use of non-industrial generators to help emission reduction, according to the report.
In the action plan for Pune, the report recommends that the PM10 of 10 micron size or small dust particles could be reduced if the road quality is improved. It notes that mechanised sweeping and watering give higher benefits, but its implementation is difficult. Wall-to-wall pavements and roads can yield benefits if implemented on all major and minor roads.
Road infrastructure needs to be set up and maintained as per national or international standards. Guidelines should be made for the quality of roads based on traffic patterns.
