It was a wise decision in Delhi to replace the
Diesel buses by CNG fueled buses as it reduces the Pollution contribution to
the atmosphere at great extent. In coming days government is planning to add
more buses for Public transportation. Although it may be a good decision for
public transportation but create more severe situation for air quality of Delhi
which is already suffering from worst condition. Increasing number of CNG
fueled private or government buses are not reducing the environmental pollution
and contributing towards indirect or invisible source of pollution.
Here it is to be noted that CNG as an
alternative to diesel or petrol is less polluting but can not be misunderstood
as Non-Pollution. If we will keep
increasing vehicle using CNG as a fuel in an area, it may also lead towards
worst situation for air quality. If air is polluted and quality is severe (as
majority of the time we witness in Delhi) then comparing worst using CNG and
more worst using diesel/petrol is not justified. The best suitable environment
friendly transportation can be mass transit system like Metro rail or Mono rail
which can be considered as substitute of Diesel and Petrol or CNG.
Are you driving BIKE?
Have you felt the realm of warm air behind CNG buses in NCR? Many of the times
I faced such issue when standing behind the CNG buses while waiting at traffic
light. The exhaust of warm air has impact till 3 -4 feet in direct range. Be
aware that the warm air of CNG buses is full of gaseous pollutants that is good
enough to make someone unhealthy.
Methane and NOX are the main
pollutant from CNG emission. If we compare the emission of Particulate Matter
(PM) and NOX it is less for CNG buses, then to that of diesel buses.
CNG generally has low particulate emissions, although the fuel still emits
particles that are harmful to health. With higher passenger loads, the amount
of PM can increase to levels comparable to diesel. CNG also emits higher
quantities of formaldehydes and other nanoparticles with negative health
impacts.
Particulate matter is a mixture of small
particles and droplets, including acids, such as nitrates and sulfates, organic
chemicals, metals, soil; or dust. Combustion can produce a large quantity of
very fine particles 10 nanometers in diameter or smaller, but it is regulated
by measuring the total quantity of all PM particles sizes. The human body cannot
protect against exposure to ultrafine particles, which can enter the heart and
lungs through inhalation and have serious health effects, including respiratory
diseases and heart and lung conditions
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