Assessment of the impacts of vehicular emissions on urban air quality and its management in Indian context: the case of Kolkata (Calcutta)

Air quality crisis in cities is mainly due to vehicular emissions. Transportation systems are increasing everywhere and the improvements in technology are insufficient to counteract growth. This paper examines the effect of vehicular emission on urban air quality and human health, and focuses on the unique features of an Indian mega city regarding its air pollution. A fact-finding survey was conducted to evaluate the status of air pollution at traffic intersections and the problem arising out of vehicular emissions in the study area. All the key pollutants are in excess of permitted levels. The severe detrimental effects of this pollution are reviewed. The problems have reached threatening dimensions. Vulnerable analysis (VA) has been carried out to evaluate the air pollution stress at different locations within the study area. Options for controlling mobile sources emissions are discussed and a strategic motor vehicle control strategy has been proposed to mitigate the air pollution in the city. Replacement of old vehicles, reformulating diesel fuel, introduction of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG), massive improvements in infrastructure and radical traffic management measures are among the actions that will need to be brought together to achieve this objective.