These are some of the findings of a new study-cum-citizens' survey conducted by the Centre for Science & Environment which were released at a city-level dialogue organised in association with the Jaipur Development Authority here. The survey found a belief among 88 per cent of Jaipur residents that the city's air pollution levels have worsened.

The New Delhi-based research and advocacy group has found that PM10 (particulate matter less than 10 micron in size) levels have been consistently increasing in the city, now measured at 2.8 times higher than the standard. This has brought Jaipur into the critical air pollution bracket as per the air quality classification of the Central Pollution Control Board.

Most of this pollution has been generated by city's burgeoning motor vehicle population, says the CSE. The city already has about 18 lakh vehicles and adds nearly 400 vehicles a day to its existing fleet. Vehicles are growing at a rate of about 10 per cent per annum with cars increasing at a faster rate than two-wheelers.

“In fact, Jaipur has more vehicles per 1,000 people than even Delhi. Jaipur has 551, compared to Delhi's 332,” said Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director (Research & Advocacy), CSE, and head of its air pollution control and transportation programme.

Road availability is consistently falling in the city. While road capacity has increased by at least 33 per cent, vehicle ownership has grown by 58 per cent between 2007 and 2011, leading to massive congestion. On many arterial roads, the traffic volume has exceeded the designed capacity and service level of the road. More than 60 per cent of Jaipur's roads are now used for parking - highest among big cities.

State Transport Minister Virendra Beniwal, Jaipur Mayor Jyoti Khandelwal, JDA Commissioner Kuldeep Ranka, Jaipur MP Mahesh Joshi, Sawai Man Singh Hospital Superintendent Virendra Singh and State Commission on Urbanisation Chairman K. K. Bhatnagar were among those who attended the dialogue that addressed city's air quality and transportation challenges.

The study found an “increasing trend” of the nitrogen oxide levels and stated that some locations, such as Chandpole, have moved from the moderate to the high pollution zone as a result of new stringent standard of 40 microgram per cubic metre.

With the emerging evidence connecting the increasing ill-health to pollution, the study found that 563 out of 604 residents of high air pollution localities suffer from respiratory and cough-related ailments. Another study conducted by S.M.S. Medical College has found that respiratory morbidity with respect to lung function tests is observed more in groups working in heavy traffic, such as traffic police personnel.

The CSE has applauded the action taken by the authorities, such as exemption to battery-driven motor vehicles from value added tax, rationalised new buses and routes and introduction of bus rapid transit system (BRTS) on some routes. There are also plans to introduce “no vehicle days” and link vehicle purchase with the availability of parking space.

“But the city is in imminent danger of losing the gains of its first generation action as particulate pollution levels are once again rising. Newer pollutants like nitrogen dioxides are also peaking steadily,” said Ms. Roychowdhury. The city now faces the second generation challenge, and like other cities it will have to leap ahead to keep abreast of the problem. Despite growing dependence on cars, the walking and cycling share - 27 per cent and 13 per cent respectively (together 40 per cent) - is the highest compared to all other modes in the city. This is the low polluting and low carbon mobility that the city needs to encourage, said the survey. It noted that Jaipur has this advantage because it has closely built and high-density environment which reduces travel distances.

The CSE carried out a rapid “walkability audit” of key areas and found that though all locations had some deficiency, Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar in the Walled City are the best. The sidewalks have been integrated with the building design and they act as a verandah for shopkeepers and provide enough space and shade to walkers.