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In the dark

In the dark vehicular emissions account for two-thirds of the total pollution in Delhi. A study conducted by the Central Road Research Institute shows that vehicles generate 64 per cent of the total pollution loads while 16 per cent is generated by thermal power plants, 12 per cent by industries and seven per cent by the domestic sector.

These vehicles account for 97 per cent of hydrocarbons, 48 per cent nitrogen oxide and 76 per cent carbon monoxide emissions in the air, shows the report. There are nearly 30 lakh vehicles in the Capital, distributed among 10 million people.

Poor public transport systems are another factor responsible for growing pollution as this has forced commuters to shift to personal modes of transportation. Vehicle density and population has shown a rapid increase in the Capital. It has resulted in tremendous rise in peak hour traffic volume at a rate of 34 per cent each year. Since 1990, only 5.64 lakh, of the nearly 30 lakh vehicles in the city have been checked for pollution fitness.

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