ABSTRACT

Based on available database, there is an overall view by experts that urban air pollution in our country is primarily related with emissions from the transport sector. However, in reality there could be a host of other source vectors which may also be significantly contributing to the observed Air Quality Status. In this regard, it may not out of context to state that Indian urban centers have become much more cleaner compared to the situation a few decades ago, thanks to the market entry of current generation automobiles with EURO II emission specification, with value added attractive loans from the financial institutions. Above all the strong legislative support from the APEX Court needs special mention here. Having accepted the fact that air quality improvements have indeed taken place, it is very appropriate to assess these improvements as well as to analyze issues pertaining to many other attributes to air quality deterioration. The economics of fuel burning, fuel quality, technological changes, industry profiles, traffic pattern, domestic fuel usage etc, are some of the factors which are very much interconnected with both the improving or deteriorating trends in air quality witnessed in some cities. For comparison the status of point source emissions in the context of the industry specific and general emission standards stipulated by regulatory agencies will also be covered. It may be pertinent to state here that the protocol being followed for ambient air quality monitoring, reporting, QA/QC of database need to be standardized and strictly followed by all the monitoring agencies at the national level, without which comparison of trends in air quality will be futile. Many of these issues are addressed and discussed in this presentation.