IMPACTS OF AIR POLLUTION BY TRANSPORTATION ON ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

During the last two decades India has seen an unprecedented economic growth. The number of urban
centers in the country has risen sharply. There are now 53 million plus cities in the country which
accommodates its residents in relatively smaller regions. Higher population densities not only lead to
enormous demand for resources but also degradation of environmental quality. Air pollution generated by
human activities has adversely affected the lives of millions of people and caused great economic damage to
ecosystems and society. Urban air pollution is a major problem across the country. More than 80% of cities
in India where air quality is monitored do not meet the standard of air quality prescribed by the Government
of India. Transport sector has always been a significant contributor in emission estimates of cities. The
source apportionment studies conducted in the six major cities of the country have shown that transport has
significant contributions in PM2.5 and NOx concentrations. Moreover, the lower height of release of
vehicular emissions leads to higher exposure. WHO has recently classified diesel exhausts as Class-I
carcinogens. Air pollution in India has increased rapidly due to population growth, increase in the numbers
of vehicles, use of fuels, bad transportation systems, poor land use pattern, industrialization, and above all,
ineffective environmental regulations. Sulphur Dioxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Particulate Matter are some of the
pollutants which are contributing to environmental pollution. Purpose of this paper is to review the literature
relating to the analysis of ambient air quality of some Indian cities and compare the same with Indian
National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Also discuss of the use of Air Quality Index (AQI), seasonal
variation in concentration of air pollutants. Assessment of health impacts due to increase in the
concentration of air pollutants in Indian cities. With rising air pollution levels and deadly health risks,
leading cities have developed clean air programs using the AQI. The AQI is the key tool in programs for
protecting communities and triggering response actions. By calculating the AQI we will find the remedial
measures to curb the pollution level from our Ahmedabad city zones.