CAQM Mandates Only Electric and CNG Buses in Delhi-NCR from November 1

Cleaner Buses for Cleaner Air in National Capital Region

The air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas in the National Capital Region (NCR) has been a major concern for several years now. Various studies have linked the poor air quality to increasing health issues among citizens, especially children and the elderly.

One of the major contributors to air pollution in the region is vehicular emissions, especially from heavy diesel vehicles like trucks and buses. To combat this, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) recently announced that from November 1, 2023, only electric, CNG and BS-VI compliant buses will be allowed to operate between Delhi and adjoining cities in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Overview

Key Takeaways on Delhi-NCR Air Pollution
SectionsDetails
Impact on Health Severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR decreases life expectancy by nearly 10 years. (Source: Air Quality Data)
Pollution Composition 41% of PM2.5 pollution in Delhi arises from vehicular emissions. (Source: Official Estimates)
New Directives by CAQM
  • Starting November 1, only electric, CNG, and BS-VI buses are permitted to operate between Delhi and NCR cities.
  • This move targets the quick reduction of on-road emissions by phasing out diesel buses.
Significance of Decision
  • Boosts the transition to electric buses in public transportation.
  • Aligns with India’s national shift towards BS-VI vehicle emission standards.
Bigger Picture This decision is a component of a comprehensive strategy to combat air pollution in NCR, which also involves addressing challenges in the transport, industry, and waste sectors.
Notable Data Points
  • Delhi currently has around 1500 electric buses in operation. (Source: Transport Department)
  • Switching to BS-VI from BS-IV cuts particulate emissions from diesel vehicles by 80%. (Source: Govt BS-VI report)

The Problem of Air Pollution

The National Capital Region includes Delhi and its surrounding urban areas. Due to rapid urbanization and industrialization, the air quality has deteriorated to alarming levels in recent times.

Air quality data over the years has shown that PM2.5 and PM10 levels frequently exceed safe limits by up to 15 times at certain locations in Delhi. These fine particulate matters can enter the lungs and cause severe respiratory issues.

Studies estimate that air pollution reduces the life expectancy of people living in the NCR by almost 10 years on average. It also leads to increased cases of lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes, asthma and other diseases.

Vehicular Emissions – A Key Culprit

Among the various sources of air pollution in the region, emissions from vehicles is a significant contributor. It accounts for nearly 41% of PM2.5 levels in Delhi as per official estimates.

Diesel vehicles like trucks and buses tend to emit far more nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and black carbon compared to petrol vehicles. And a bulk of heavy vehicles entering Delhi use diesel.

These vehicular fumes contain harmful gases as well as carcinogenic particles that degrade the region’s air quality. Tackling this requires major reforms in public transportation.

CAQM’s Initiative to Clean Up Inter-State Buses

Introduction to CAQM

ParameterDetails
Full NameCommission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region (NCR) and Adjoining Areas (CAQM)
EstablishmentEstablished by CAQM Ordinance, 2020 and CAQM Act, 2021
ObjectiveBetter coordination, research, identification, and resolution of air quality problems in NCR and adjoining areas
Adjoining Areas DefinitionAreas in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh adjoining the NCR
Previous BodyReplaced the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA)
EPCA Run Time22 years

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory authority set up in 2021 to coordinate air pollution control activities across NCR.

To tackle pollution from inter-state buses, the CAQM has announced that from November 1, 2023, only electric, CNG and BS-VI compliant diesel buses will be allowed to operate between Delhi and adjoining NCR cities.

BS-VI refers to the latest ‘Bharat Stage’ emission standard adopted in India. It sets strict limits on pollutants released from motor vehicles. CNG is compressed natural gas, which is a cleaner alternative auto fuel.

The new regulations will apply to all public and private buses coming from cities in neighboring states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Non-compliant buses will not be issued any permits to enter Delhi.

Significance of the Move

The CAQM’s move is a much-needed step to accelerate the transition to cleaner buses in NCR. Here’s why it matters:

Quick Reduction in Emissions

A bulk of inter-state buses are still run on traditional diesel. Replacing them with BS-VI, CNG and electric buses can lead to visible reduction in on-road emissions. Particulate matter and NOx emissions are substantially lower in these buses.

Banning old buses is an immediate and effective solution to combat vehicular pollution compared to long-term improvements in fuel quality and efficiency.

Boost to E-Mobility

The electric bus component in the CAQM mandate provides impetus to the adoption of electric mobility. Multiple studies across the world have demonstrated that electric buses emit almost no air pollutants on road.

Several cities have set targets to fully electrify their bus transit systems by 2030. Delhi already operates around 1500 electric buses. The CAQM order will accelerate e-bus adoption in inter-city routes as well.

Synergy with BS-VI Transition

India adopted the BS-VI emission standard for all vehicles from April 2020. It aims to reduce particulate matter output by 80% compared to BS-IV. The CAQM directive will spur bus companies to upgrade their fleets to meet the new norms.

This will complement the government’s nationwide BS-VI transition for private and commercial vehicles. Tighter scrutiny of public buses will drive faster compliance.

Outlook for Cleaner Air

The CAQM’s ruling is certainly a positive step in the mission to clean up the National Capital Region’s air. Combined with other policies on vehicular emissions, fuel standards, industry pollution and waste management, NCR can look forward to substantial improvement in its air quality in the coming years.

However, sustained effort is required on multiple fronts to make the region’s air safe to breathe again. The people also need to do their bit – using public transport, avoiding waste burning, and supporting government initiatives.

With collaborative action from all stakeholders, this challenge can be tackled effectively.

Powers of CAQM

Power DescriptionSpecifics
SuperiorityRulings override any other law and the powers supersede any other body on air pollution matters
Conflict ResolutionIn case of conflicts with orders from State governments, State Pollution Control Boards or the Central Pollution Control Board, CAQM’s orders will prevail
Core Functions1. Take measures, issue directions and entertain complaints to protect and improve NCR’s air quality
2. Coordinate actions taken by states on air pollution
3. Set parameters for air quality and environmental pollutant emission/discharge
Restrictions & Inspections1. Can restrict industries in any area
2. Carry out random inspections of premises including factories
3. Can close down an industry or cut power and water supply for non-compliance
Stubble BurningMonitor measures taken by states to prevent stubble burning

Areas of Jurisdiction

AreaRelevance
NCRPrimary region for which the commission’s air quality management powers apply
Adjoining Areas (Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh)Areas where sources of pollution may adversely impact NCR’s air quality
(CAQM) commission-for-air-quality-management-in-the-national-capital-region
commission-for-air-quality-management-in-the-national-capital-region
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