Dignitaries from different countries discussed the air pollution in their respective countries on Tuesday in an event hosted by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).
Environmental scientists shared various methods and plans which can be implemented in Delhi to curb air pollution.
Notably, the ongoing odd-even road rationing scheme was also discussed at length by the environmental scientists and the officials of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Dipankar Saha, Senior Scientist and the in-charge of air laboratories at CPCB said that besides the odd-even scheme, Government institutions should also focus on promoting methods like car-sharing.
“The odd-even scheme alone can’t reduce the number of cars on Delhi roads. Cars occupy 70 per cent of roads whereas if people share cars, one can deal with traffic congestion and air pollution both,” said Saha.
Saha also added that country has no strong data base of air pollution. While talking about the real time data base of ambient air quality in Delhi, he said that Particulate Matters are boon for India as they provide protection from harmful acid rains. “CPCB will install more real time ambient air quality monitoring stations in India to have precise database on the value of air pollutants,” he said.
Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal also attended the conclave and announced Delhi road plans to solve traffic congestion and air pollution issues. Whereas Sunita Narayan, CSE has clarified to Kejriwal that road rationing scheme is not a permanent solution and State Government needs to strengthen the public transport system.
Experts have said that it is the need of the hour to understand factors contributing to air pollution globally.
Talking about the emissions of harmful pollutants like Nitrox and Volatile Organic Compound (VOC), Fanta Kamakate said that compliance and enforcement systems are different in many countries, there is need of political will to tackle this situation by discarding the defeat systems in vehicles which contribute more pollution,” said Fanta.
Experts from Beijing, California and Hanoi shared the strict steps taken by their Government on deteriorating air quality. Zeng Jinghai, Principal staff member, Air Pollution Control Division, Beijing Municipal Bureau of Environmental Protection said that to overcome the combustion factors contributing to air pollution, their Government has changed the mechanism by ensuring lPG services to each sections in society, moreover, the State has banned the registration of new two-wheelers,” said Jinghai.