Bhure Lal , more famously known as the one who cleaned up Delhi’s air than chairman of the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority, was in Lucknow last week to attend a meeting with the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board to oversee the implementation of CNG in Lucknow and Kanpur. He has to submit a report to the Supreme Court about this. Tushar Dhara caught up with him, to find out his views on air pollution in Lucknow, ways to mitigate it and his involvement in the movement to make Lucknow more liveable for its residents.
What is the cause of high air pollution levels in Lucknow?
There is more than one reason for high pariculate matter levels in Lucknow. The main reason is vehicular pollution. But dust also contributes to particulate matter suspended in air. For instance, a lot of dust blows in from Rajasthan. Households also contribute a significant amount to particulate matter in air with the dust they dispose of in garbage. Then there is pollution from industries, though this is not so serious in Lucknow. All these things contribute to the air pollution in Lucknow.
How can Lucknow’s air be cleaned up?
A multi-pronged strategy has to be deployed to combat air pollution. First, vehicular and industrial emissions have to be decreased. Lucknow is in a similar situation as was Delhi before CNG came in. There are just too many vehicles and the pollution they emit contributes to most of Lucknow’s pollution. Secondly, planting trees will mitigate the dust brought in by dust storms. A proper system of disposal of solid waste and sewage will help in lessening the pollution contributed by households.
At what stage is CNG in Lucknow?
We are drawing up a roadmap for imlementation of CNG in Kanpur and Lucknow. The transport department will submit a time-bound programme on the implementation of CNG in these two cities in the next 15 days. Then we have to sort out problems in and around Charbagh like how to deal with the Sumos and increasing the number of tempos and three wheelers that run on CNG. We are also discussing acquisition of land for construction of CNG filling stations.
There are already two filling stations in the city, along with the mother station in Amausi and more will be constructed soon. Six sites have been selected for filling stations, but these will be constructed side by side as the conversion happens.
Will it be difficult to implement CNG in Lucknow?
No, I don’t foresee any difficulties. People have realised from Delhi’s experience that CNG is good. I think once they see the obvious benefits, it will be very easy to shift to CNG.
What about the cost factor?
CNG scores over petrol and diesel in that it is cheaper and cleaner. CNG will cost Rs 25 per KG compared to Rs 45-50 per litre for petrol. Though the initial investment is slightly on the high side, vehicles that convert to CNG, like autorickshaws, buses, tempos, Sumos, will recover their investment costs in less than a year. After that the operational costs will be half those of petrol. Another benefit of CNG is that it gives more mileage than petrol.
The benefit of CNG will accrue over the long term to consumers and society. The health effects caused by pollution continue over a long period of time. By introducing CNG and eliminating the harmful chemicals, the exchequer will save a lot in terms of health costs.
What are the effects of pollution?
The vehicular emissions typically contain benzene, sulpher dioxide, carbon monoxide and lead, among other substances. Lead is known to cause genetic abberations and produce indolence in a person whereas benzene can cause cancer. Sulpher dioxide can cause bronchitis, heart problems and asthma. Adoption of CNG will minimize these health effects. Take the case of Delhi. It was one of the most polluted cities in the world. There was high incidence of breathing problems among the population. The introduction of CNG has changed that.
