Non-completion of the Western and Eastern Peripheral Expressway to divert traffic of heavy vehicles is costing the national Capital’s health dearly. According to a study, the city has the highest level of air pollutants called particulate matter less than 10 microns (PM10). To make matters worse, the PM10 levels have risen during the past three years, while many other cities, including Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai, witnessed a drop. The levels of N0x, NO2, Ozone and tinier particles are also found in alarming proportions on several locations that include ITO interesection, Pitampura, Siri Fort, Shahdara and Shahzadabad Bagh. The study said that 55 per cent of Delhi’s population living within 500 meters of two ring roads and 50 meters of major roads are most exposed to high air pollution in Delhi. The study also found that ozone, which causes inflammation in respiratory tract and problems in breathing, was rising in Delhi. Its primary cause was rise in nitrogen dioxide emissions, whose source is primarily from diesel vehicles. This was revealed at a workshop on “Air Pollution Control Strategies” organised by the Department of Environment”, on Tuesday. This, despite the introduction of eco-friendly interventions such as the use of CNG for vehicles, the Metro, improved public transport, increased VAT on purchase of diesel cars, environment cess on diesel sale in Delhi, use of air ambience fund to promote clean technology, mandatory emission control system in industries, continuous monitoring of ambient air quality, greening mission, promotion of gas based power plants and closure of coal based power plants and increasing tree cover in the Capital. The Western and Eastern Peripheral Expressways, an ambitious project to complete a ring road around Delhi to let nearly 200,000 vehicles bypass the Capital, has been missing the deadline for the past four years. Only half the project, the 135km Western Peripheral Expressway, is nearing completion while work on the 135km Eastern Peripheral Expressway is yet to begin. According to Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, vehicular emission is a major source of air pollution, resulting in respiratory diseases in the city. Referring to vehicular emission that Delhi has seen due to drastic rise in the number of vehicles, the Chief Minister said that there are more than 71 lakh vehicles, apart from those coming from neighbouring States. “The criss-crossing vehicles not destined to enter Delhi not only cause pollution but also add to congestion,” said Dikshit, adding the construction of Western and Eastern Peripheral Expressways are going to take more years due to lukewarm response of neighbouring States. It was reported in the workshop that Western Peripheral Express Way from Kundli to Manesar in Haryana is almost ready which will provide relief to the Capital. Dikshit further said that all efforts will be made to encourage people to make use of public transport instead of their personal vehicles. The study said the respirable suspended particulate matter (PM 10) of 300 micro grams in cubic meter area (ug/m3) increases the rate of premature deaths because of air pollution by three percent. While impact of air pollution on health is widely recognised, the study for the first time presents a figure of at least 3,000 deaths in the national capital every year due to ailments such as asthma, respiratory diseases, heart attacks and cancer triggered by air pollution. Every year, one lakh people die in Delhi. The study says around 55 percent of Delhites live in high exposure area. According to the study, in two prominent localities of RK Puram and Civil Lines, PM2.5 levels have been several times higher than the standards. The study also showed that carbon monoxide is under control due to improvised petrol engines. The new data on even tinier particles PM2.5 that go very deep inside the lungs and cause very serious health damage show unacceptably high levels especially during winter months. The study also found that Ozone, which causes inflammation in respiratory tract and problems in breathing, was rising in Delhi. Its primary cause was rise in nitrogen dioxide emissions, whose source is primarily from diesel vehicles. Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) chairman Bhure Lal has suggested fitness certificate of private vehicles after every two years.