The potential of lower vehicular emissions in Indian cities
There are currently around 90 cities that India's Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) identified as critically polluted. Particulate matter (PM), especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5), dominates the concern. Other air pollutants such as NO2, ozone (O3), and air toxics are also problematic. The health problems caused by these pollutants are affecting not only large cities, but also many smaller, rapidly expanding cities across India. This briefing outlines concrete policy initiatives that can be implemented over the course of India's 12th five-year plan to reduce harmful vehicle emissions. With continuous and improved monitoring, and determined implementation of these steps, substantial improvement in air quality within the most heavily polluted cities of India can be demonstrated over this period. The long-term public health and air quality benefits of these actions will be even greater.