Govt study soft on auto pollution
New Delhi: Environment minister Jairam Ramesh may have condemned the misuse of subsidized diesel in luxury cars,but a study by a government institute ignores their contribution to air pollution,the Centre for Science and Environment claims.
The CSE,which analysed the environment ministrys recent six-city study on air pollution sources,said it has found flaws in the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (Neeri) studies of Delhi and Mumbai and criticized the auto industry for misusing the study to derail tighter emissions standards and encourage polluting diesel cars.The Neeri studies of Delhi and Mumbai show vehicles to be the lowest for emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) said Anumita Roychowdhury,CSEs executive director,research and advocacy,and head of its air pollution control unit.However,the studies in same pattern conducted by other agencies in the cities including Bangalore,Kanpur,Chennai and Pune show higher vehicular contribution particularly to NOx,she said.The Neeri study for Delhi and Mumbai grossly underestimates vehicle contribution to both PM10,PM2.5 and NOx compared to other cities AGENCIES
* The Centre for Science and Environment found flaws in Neeris study on air pollution caused by cars in Delhi & Mumbai and said the auto industry misused the information