Are you tired of breathing in polluted air every day in Pimpri-Chinchwad? Well, there’s hope on the horizon! A recent study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) has found that implementing Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in the city could lead to a significant reduction in harmful emissions by 2030.
According to the study, LEZs could cut particulate matter (PM) by up to 79% and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 67% in Pimpri-Chinchwad. This means cleaner air and better health for residents in the industrial hub of Maharashtra.
The study, led by Moorthy M. Nair, in collaboration with the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) India, identifies emission hotspots in the city and provides a roadmap for implementing LEZs. These zones would target high-emission vehicles, encouraging the use of cleaner alternatives like electric vehicles and public transport.
With Maharashtra’s Electric Vehicle Policy already in place, the implementation of LEZs could align with the state’s vision for a cleaner and sustainable urban environment.
The study pinpoints two zones in Pimpri-Chinchwad as major contributors to vehicular emissions. By enforcing vehicle restrictions and promoting cleaner mobility options, these zones could see a significant reduction in air pollution levels.
Moorthy M. Nair, Associate Researcher at ICCT, emphasizes the importance of offering socially equitable mobility options to empower users to make the switch to cleaner alternatives.
With projections showing a decrease in PM and NOx levels by 2030, the adoption of Bharat Stage VI standards could further enhance these reductions with the implementation of LEZs. Heavy goods vehicles and two-wheelers are identified as the main contributors to different types of emissions in the city.
Amit Bhatt, India Managing Director at ICCT, urges Indian cities like Pimpri-Chinchwad to adopt the LEZ approach to secure cleaner air and better public health.
The study also highlights the need for complementary measures such as improved public transport, infrastructure for walking and cycling, and incentives for transitioning to zero-emission vehicles. The roadmap suggests that planning for LEZs should begin in 2024, with enforcement starting by 2026.
So, if you’re looking forward to breathing cleaner air in Pimpri-Chinchwad, the implementation of Low Emission Zones could be the answer to your prayers. Stay tuned for more updates on this transformative initiative!
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