Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) In the News

Proposal to phase out old vehicles
National Workshop for the Improvement of Urban Air Quality in Pakistan recommended transport planning, infrastructure for better supply of CNG, introduction of new dedicated CNG buses and re-powering existing buses into CNG. Three-day conference on its concluding day here at a local hotel made the recommendations, which would be presented before the Lahore High Court by the Lahore Clean Air Commission. After two-day hectic discussions among environmentalists from across the globe and major stakeholders in the country, it was recommended that old vehicles should be phased out and new ones be introduced.

The Nation (Internet), Pakistan, Dec. 16, 2004

Brick kiln workers rally against fly ash notice
Brick kiln workers from Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh led by the Confederation of Indian Trade Unions today held a demonstration at Patel Chowk to protest against the notification issued by the Central and State governments on compulsury use of fly ash.

The Tribune, New Delhi, Dec. 14, 2004, Page No. 3

Notice on scheme for commercial vehicles
The Supreme Court (coram, Sabharwal, Naolekar, JJ) issued notices to the Centre the three states of U.P., Bihar, Rajasthan and their pollution control boards on a PIL challenging their special token scheme permitting commercial vehicles to ply throughout the state for a one time payment. ”In the garb of special token state governments are allowing the offender transporters to commit breach of law on one hand and cause damage to public roads, cause pollution by excessive emission of polluting substance, and pose danger to public life.

The Statesman, New Delhi, Dec. 14, 2004, Page No. 5

DaimlerChrysler, GM in pact on hybrids
DaimlerChrysler and General Motors Corp. will jointly develop new hybrid vehicle technology as they strive to catch up with Japanese rivals on the fuel-saving systems that reduce harmful emissions, the companies said. The automakers will co-develop a "two-mode" hybrid technology that will boost both acceleration and fuel economy by 25 percent and can be used on a wide variety of vehicles, the companies said. The deal teams GM, the world`s biggest automaker, and German-American DaimlerChrysler, the global number five, against rivals, including Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. Ltd., which have a head start in the hybrid market.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, Dec. 14, 2004

EU emissions scheme to start without four states
New European Union Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said on Friday the EU carbon emission trading scheme will start on January 1 2005 with only 21 out of 25 countries on board. Emission reduction plans from Poland, Italy and the Czech Republic have been submitted to Brussels but will not be approved by then, he said. Greece has not yet submitted a national plan.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, Dec. 14, 2004

Calpers challenges automakers over Californian lawsuit
The Calpers board, the biggest US pension fund, said it wants major car makers to meet with it and defend their lawsuit against California`s new rules for reducing exhaust emissions. The landmark rules adopted in September by the state are the first in the United States aiming to lower car and truck emissions of gases linked to global warming. Calpers may join the lawsuit in support of the rules, a fund spokesman said. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers representing US and foreign car makers last week filed a lawsuit against the rules in federal court in Fresno, California.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, Dec. 14, 2004

Syria on GAIL radar, offers to set up CNG stations
After Egypt, the next African country in which Gail (India) is keen on having a presence is Syria. The company has submitted an offer to the Syrian government for setting up compressed natural gas (CNG) stations in that country in response to a notification. Confirming the move a GAIL spokesperson said , “GAIL has submitted a pre-qualification offer to the ministry of petroleum and mineral resources (MPMR), Syria, for setting up CNG stations there. We are awaiting a response from MPMR on the matter. If we are qualified, a detailed bid will be submitted to the Syrian government.”

The Financial Express, New Delhi, Dec. 14, 2004, Page No. 13

President Bush to make `aggressive push` to cut air pollution, administration says
President Bush will make air pollution a top priority in Congress early next year, starting with "an aggressive push" to build support for his pollution-cutting plan, senior administration officials said. At the same time, the administration will hold off until no later than March on a rule to cut pollution from power plants that would accomplish some of the same ends as Bush`s anti-pollution plan, the officials said. The White House on said the Environmental Protection Agency of its game plan, which is meant to allow time for Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., sponsor of Bush`s "Clear Skies" initiative, to hold hearings on it in January.

Environmental News Network(Internet), US, Dec. 13, 2004

Environmental protection agency hasn`t won improvements it touted
The US government has quietly allowed oil refineries nationwide to miss court-mandated deadlines to reduce air emissions, prolonging the exposure of hundreds of thousands of people to dangerous pollutants. In almost every instance, the Environmental Protection Agency did not tell the courts or the public about the deadline changes, even when legal settlements require it to do so, a Star-Telegram investigation has found. "That`s not appropriate. That`s just not appropriate," said Sylvia Lowrance, a former top EPA enforcement official in President Bush`s administration. "That information should be shared with the public."

Environmental News Network(Internet), US, Dec. 13, 2004

This Bogota model will soon make Delhi breathe easy
The World Bank may have tagged it Asia’s most polluted city, but New Delhi is now poised to turn the corner on India’s road to cleaner air. The capital is in the final stages of adopting the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system, a mass transportation concept that is emerging as a popular choice among experts steering the world away from choking cities. In the queue after Delhi—it is initially implementing BRT over a 5-km stretch in Ambedkar Nagar—are Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad, which is all set to finalise a more elaborate network.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, Dec. 13, 2004, Page No. 1

Bio-diesel is the future fuel
Bio-diesel will soon emerge as a viable alternative fuel if ongoing vehicular experiments prove successful, say experts. State-owned refiner Indian Oil Corporation and carmaker Tata Motors jointly embarked on a programme in October to study the effects of bio-diesel blends in diesel passenger cars and light commercial vehicles under laboratory-controlled as well as field conditions."We have carried out tests by adding five percent of bio-diesel in two cars and 10 per cent in one car, running them up to 5,000 km," IOC’s senior research manager G.K. Acharya said. "We have also tested on two other vehicles, including a truck, and found the response good," Acharya said on the sidelines of a conference in Agra on better air quality.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, Dec. 13, 2004, Page No. 4

Vehicle boom in Belgaum
Believe it or not, while the population of Belgaum city in Karnataka is 5 lakh, the city has more than 1.75 lakh vehicles. These vehicles consume 1.25 lakh litres of petrol and diesel every day. As many as 40 petrol bunks located in the city are busy in filling the petrol for these vehicles. There was a day, when possessing a cycle was considered as a prestigious thing in the society. The student community as well as the teachers were to come to colleges on the cycles and each college had cycle stands, which were full of the cycles. However the days have changed and the values too.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, Dec. 12, 2004, Page No. 5

Successful test of bio-diesel
Scientists at the Dr Punjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyaopeeth in Akola in Maharashtra claimed to have successfully generated electricity from bio-diesel produced from seeds of two plants. The test was successfully conducted using `karanji` and `erandi` seeds at the College of Agricultural Engineering in PDKV campus, according to Dr Sanjay Bhoyar, a scientist, who was involved in the experiment.

Business Line, New Delhi, Dec. 11, 2004, Page No. 7

Delhi breathe easy?
Gasp. Cough. Choke. And it’s only getting worse. A joint study conducted by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank ranks Delhi’s air as the most polluted in Asia. ‘A very serious message has emerged for Delhi. In other Asian cities listed, pollution levels came down subsequent to measures being initiated’, says Anumita Roy Choudhary of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), ‘But even after implementing Euro II norms, introducing CNG, lowering sulphur levels in ful, and phasing out 15-year old vehicles, Delhi still tops the air pollution list’.

The Times of India, New Delhi, 1(s), Dec. 11, 2004

Honda wins greenest automaker award
Honda has been voted the greenest automaker by a group of environmental scientists in the US this week. The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) presented leaders of the Japanese company with the accolade 2004 Greenest Automaker for pushing the market forwards with its environmentally friendly technologies. "Honda is in a class of its own when it comes to producing clean cars and trucks," research director of UCS`s clean vehicles programme, David Friedman said.

Edie (Internet), UK, Dec. 10, 2004

City`s vehicle population now bloats to 21 lakh
The vehicle population in Bangalore city is exploding and in the next one week will touch the staggering 21-lakh mark - three times more then what it was a decade ago. The transformation of Garden City into Hi-Tech City has witnessed an enormous increase in the number of vehicles on its small roads. ``In 1994, we had just 7.17 lakh vehicles. Now it is 20.95 lakh,`` a Transport Department officer told this website’s newspaper. With around 800 vehicles being registered in the five Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in the City every day, it will take just a few more days to cross the 21-lakh milestone.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, 1supp, Dec. 10, 2004

What if CNG station explodes?
CNG stations in the thickly populated areas have become a looming danger for the residents living in adjacent localities and any incident of blast or gas leakage could take a heavy toll. An incident of similar nature has already taken place at a CNG station at Multan Road (Pakistan) in which one person died and other was badly injured. The incident took place at one of the CNG stations, which was constructed according to the rule and regulation set by Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority. Inspector Explosives, Haroon Rehman, told The Nation that blast took place after different gases triggered a spark that climaxed into inferno. He further said losses from such type of blasts could be maximum, and only checked through proper precautionary measures.

The Nation (Internet), Pakistan, Dec. 10, 2004

Govt to launch bio-diesel mission soon
The government is preparing a national hydrogen roadmap and will launch a national mission on biodiesel soon as part of efforts to encourage use of alternative fuels. ‘The government has set up a national mission for bio-diesel for which the ministry of rural development is the nodal ministry.

The Times of India, New Delhi, Dec. 10, 2004, Page No. 10

CNG impresses Sindh Minister
Unable to visit the Taj Mahal due to shortage of time during his three-day stay at Agra, Muhammad Noman Saigal, Adviser to Chief Minister of Sindh and Provincial Minister for Environment and Alternate Energy, will nevertheless have enough to talk about the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) technology back home in Karachi."I have been really impressed by the way vehicular pollution in Delhi has been reduced by shifting over to CNG and sincerely feel that if the technology is adopted in Karachi, air pollution will come down there also,`` Mr. Saigal told. Mr. Saigal, who was here to attend the Better Air Quality workshop, organised by the World Bank, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers and the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, felt that the causes of air pollution in India and Pakistan were the same and the two countries could share their experiences in overcoming these.

The Hindu, New Delhi, Dec. 10, 2004, Page No. 4 & www.hinduonnet.com

Decks cleared for CNG arrival in March ’05
CNG has been one of the most elusive promises so far in terms of riding the Ahmedabad city of its air pollution. The public, the stakeholders and the government have been waiting with bated breath for the stations to start, and to watch the vehicles plying on gas. After inordinate delays, discussions and accusations, finally a task force has been setting up to facilitate the actual implementation process and set new deadlines.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, Dec. 09, 2004, Page No. 5

Steering California`s fight on emissions
Fran Pavley, a soft-spoken, retired schoolteacher who went into California politics, probably never thought she would find herself defending the environmental credentials of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. But these days, she has been a driving force behind a new battle against global warming. Last month, Ms. Pavley, a Democratic assemblywoman from Agoura Hills, visited Ottawa to seek Canada`s help in pressing automakers to cut greenhouse gas emissions. There was some skepticism from the press. As one local journalist put it, "Doesn`t your governor drive a Hummer?" Yes, Ms. Pavley gamely explained, but she was there with the Schwarzenegger administration`s support, and the governor had even recently requested and received a special hydrogen-fueled Hummer built by General Motors. By the end of her visit, two top government ministers said they were poised to adopt their own tough plan.

New York Times (Internet), New York, Dec. 09, 2004

Petrol pumps come under GPCB scanner
As per the Air Pollution Control Board prepared by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), also approved by the Bhure Lal Committee, petrol pumps can supply petrol to two-stroke two-wheelers and three-wheelers only after pre-mixing of lubricating oil. However, despite being intimated well in advance, several petrol pumps have not made specific arrangements for the purpose.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, Dec. 08, 2004, Page No. 3

HPCL to set up 9 CNG outlets in city
The Adnani group, the sole licensee for compressed natural gas (CNG) supply to Ahmedabad and Vadodara, has given its consent to the Gujarat State Government to allow Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) to sell CNG in select areas of Ahmedabad. To speed up the setting up of CNG stations in Ahmedabad, the state government has given permission to HPCL to set up nine CNG outlets and one mother station.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, Dec. 08, 2004, Page No. 3

Automakers sue over California`s tough vehicle-emissions rules
Automobile manufacturers sued to block California regulators from adopting the world`s toughest vehicle-emissions standards, arguing in a lawsuit that the standards are the federal government`s
responsibility. "Federal law is designed to ensure a consistent fuel economy program across the country," Fred Webber, president and chief executive of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said in announcing the lawsuit, which had been expected since the regulations were adopted in September to reduce greenhouse gases.

Environmental News Network(Internet), US, Dec. 08, 2004

Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Shimla violate air pollution norms
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has identified 65 cities in the country, including Chandigarh, having higher levels of air pollution than stipulated norms.Other cities in the North include New Delhi; Mandi Gobindgarh, Ludhiana and Jalandhar in Punjab; Faridabad and Yamunanagar in Haryana; and Damtal, Paonta Sahib and Shimla in Himachal Pradesh.In a written reply to the Lok Sabha regarding states where dust particles were creating havoc, Minister of State for Environment and Forests Namo Narian Meena, releasing the list of 65 cities in India, said the CPCB had circulated guidelines to the state pollution control boards for formulating action plans to deal with the problem.

The Tribune, New Delhi, Dec. 08, 2004, Page No. 14

Wants CNG pollution check
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has asked the Transport department to find out if the rise in the level of nitrogen oxides (NO_x) has to do with the introduction of CNG. NO_x have turned out to be the latest pollutants while the level of usual suspects have gone down. Dikshit also asked the department to evaluate the efficiency of CNG in controlling pollution. Presiding over a review meeting of the department, she said while CNG had reduced pollution levels, there has been a rise in nitrogen oxides. While some have blamed the rise in NO_x on CNG, power plants have also come under focus, she said. NO_x are primary pollutants and react in the atmosphere to form ozone and nitrate particles that are very harmful. These pollutants form a photochemical smog that impairs visibility and causes health damage, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said. To bring down pollution, both hydrocarbons and NO_x have to be controlled, it added.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 3supp, Dec. 08, 2004

Hope floats for DTC’s dead fleet
The DTC’s entire fleet of redundant diesel buses may hit the roads again. The rebirth will be made possible by IIT, Delhi, which has developed a “hybrid bus” powered by a battery. This battery is in turn charged by an engine, the size of a generator. The IIT has written to the transport department, offering to convert its defunct diesel buses into road-worthy battery-operated vehicles.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, Dec. 08, 2004, Page No. 2

Study finds high air pollution levels in Asian cities
Estimates made by the World Health Organisation (WHO) suggest that the impact of outdoor air pollution in Asian cities is substantial and warrants the attention of policy-makers. According to a WHO report, each year urban air pollution contributes to approximately 800,000 deaths and 4.6 million lost life-years. This burden, however, is not equally distributed: about two-thirds of the deaths and lost life-years occur in the developing countries of Asia.The Health Effects Institute (HEI), a Boston-based organisation, supported by the United Nations Environment Programme, also carried out a study on "Health Effects of Outdoor Air Pollution in Developing Countries of Asia," and the findings were released at the Better Air Quality (BAQ 2004) conference here.

The Hindu, New Delhi, Dec. 08, 2004, Page No. 13 & www.hinduonnet.com

Joyride to school, but what a ride it is
It’s a hazard Delhi’s tiny tots endure each day – on their ride to school and back – and it could cost them their lives, nothing less. The culprit is the hired van that runs on LPG. Most don’t conform to safety standards, making them mobile tinderboxes that could go up anytime. Unscrupulous van-operators run their vehicles on domestic LPG cylinders. This is illegal and banned.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, Dec. 07, 2004, Page No. 2

Registraton ban quashed on three-wheelers carriers
The Delhi high Court today quashed the Delhi transport department’s recent order banning registration of three-wheelers goods carriers.Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul quashed the order, which was purported “to decongest roads” and was issued on August 5, 2004, by joint Commissioner (OPS) transport P R Meena saying the officer was not competent to issue it.

Business Standard, New Delhi, Dec. 07, 2004, Page No. 5

Switch-to-gas plan before SC deadline doubtful
With the December 31, deadline set by the Bhure Lal Committee closing in, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has hastily evolved a draft action plan for industries here to switch over to natural gas as fuel. But the industrial sector’s tepid response has highlighted the grey areas of this draft.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, Dec. 06, 2004, Page No. 5

Farmers wary of biodiesel plant
Despite the biodiesel plant (Jatropha) hype created by the state governments and notwithstanding the hard selling of such projects in Punjab and Haryana, farmers are wary of diversifying.A cross-section of farmers, seed suppliers and government officials, who interacted with TNS at the ongoing Agro-Tech Fair today, said much needs to be done to propagate this crop as a source of income.“The variety provided by the government is vulnerable to foggy condition. Further, nothing is being done to create a marketing strategy for the produce. A farmer, who dares to diversify, has to do it all by himself sans government support,” says Raj Sher Singh Chinna, a Jatropha farmer from Hoshiarpur who suffered losses due to foggy conditions. He adds that the ‘Manipur variety’ may be more suitable for this region. Economics of Jatropha plantation states that while the establishment and maintenance cost of the crop is Rs 25,000 per acre, it may yield 25 to 30 quintals of seed per acre, which produce 45 per cent oil on seed weight basis. Government statistics says if 10 million hectares of India’s wastelands are used for biodiesel production, with a modest estimate of 1.5 tons of seeds per hectare, 4 million tons of biodiesel would be produced, which is one tenth of the country’s annual oil requirement.

The Tribune, New Delhi, Dec. 06, 2004, Page No. 15

Driving bans loom in europe for unfiltered diesels
Drivers of diesel-powered cars without particle filters could face occasional bans in many European city centres next year under new EU air quality rules about to take effect, officials and activists say. The regulations seek to limit particulate matter that pollutes the air and has been linked to a series of health problems, especially in children, the elderly and sick people. "We assume that there will be driving bans in all the big (German) cities in built-up areas and indeed several times a year depending on weather and traffic conditions," said Juergen Resch, head of the Deutsche Umwelthilfe environmentalist group.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, Dec. 06, 2004

It`s rush hour on CV street ahead of Euro-II norms
The commercial vehicle industry is in overdrive. This follows the heavy rush among truck buyers to advance purchases in view of the Euro-II emission norms that come into effect in non-metros from April ‘05. As against 27% year-on-year growth during the April-October period this fiscal, truck makers are expecting vehicle sales to grow by 45-50% during the remaining four months of ‘04-05. Currently, vehicles complying with Euro-II norms are mandatory in the top 12 cities of the country. However, over 90% of commercial vehicles are registered outside these cities. Currently, Euro-I norms are mandatory in these cities.

The Economic Times, New Delhi, Dec. 06, 2004, Page No. 8

`Network computerised centres to check vehicle pollution`
Networking of computerised vehicle pollution checking centres in the city to collect data for policy formulation by the Central and State Governments and expansion of public transport facilities to cater for "upmarket" consumers have been suggested to reduce pollution on the roads and improve safety. Representatives of voluntary organisations, participating in a round table discussion on "Integrated Approach Towards Vehicular Pollution", organised here today by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on the occasion of the opening of Auto Serv 2004 exhibition, suggested adoption of the model of a pilot project for networking of computerised checking centres launched in Andhra Pradesh. They pointed out that little data was now available about the individual vehicle segment and on the age of vehicles as regards pollution.

The Hindu, Chennai, Dec. 05, 2004, Page No. 4 & www.hinduonnet.com

RTO launches `collection drive` to check pollution
The Transport department`s appetite for money seems insatiable. First, it slapped a 15 percent cess on road taxes. Then came a rise in motor vehicle taxes. Now, the department has issued a circular to auto dealers in Bangalore city to pay up for the anti-pollution drive they have taken up. The department has fixed two slabs: Rs.10,000 from two-wheeler dealers and Rs.20,000 from four wheeler-dealers. Auto dealers are shocked. Not because the department is asking for money officially - they have been used to coughing up money unofficially for the survival of their business. But because the department is demanding money for an anti-pollution drive they plan to hold "in November."

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, Dec. 05, 2004, Page No. 3

Gujarat plans to introduce CNG Act in winter session
The Gujarat government is planning to introduce a CNG Act which is likely to be tabled in the state Assembly in the coming winter session. The Act will be applicable to all the state industries which use CNG as a fuel. The state government is also planning to introduce a new policy for generation of non-conventional and hydel power for the industrial units. Addressing a conference on ‘energy management’, organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), chief minister Narendra Modi said, “The state government will table CNG Act in the coming winter session of Assembly and will pass the Act for the benefit of the industries utilising natural gas as a raw material for their manufacturing units.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, Dec. 04, 2004, Page No. 8

Volvo buses to ply on inter-state routes
After the Delhi-Lahore route, Volvo buses are set to run on other inter-state routes. According to Secretary (Transport) Rajiv Talwar, "Seven buses are being built by Volvo in Bangalore which will run on the inter-state routes very soon". The Volvo Buses were introduced on the Delhi-Lahore route last month by the Delhi Transport Commission (DTC). The inter-state buses will be like the Delhi-Lahore buses and high capacity vehicles and will offer the travellers `real bus` experience.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, Dec. 03, 2004, Page No. 3

Jatropha takes root, worries flower
The answer to Chhattisgarh’s prayer for bio-energy? Or a short-term solution with a long-term negative fallout? The clouds of controversy are gathering thick and fast over the state’s new-found enthusiasm for jatropha, a shrub that has long found local use as fuel, fencing and in traditional medicine. Viewed as the source of an additional Rs 1,200 crore in revenue by 2007, the jatropha’s golden egg is its oil-rich seed, which the state sees yielding 20 lakh tonnes of bio-diesel every year. Plants require only three years to become productive and, by some estimates, one hectare of jatropha can give returns of Rs 70,000.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, Dec. 03, 2004, Page No. 13

Commission consults on air pollution action plan
The European Commission is launching an internet consultation, open to the public, on the measures to be included in a new comprehensive European action plan to reduce air pollution. The consultation will run until January 31 2005 and results will be published in March. Life expectancy for European citizens and ecology can be severely hampered by poor air quality. Recent studies show that more than 22,000 premature deaths each year are due to high levls of ozone, that life expectancy can be reduced by between 3 to 14 months due to particulate pollution, that 23% of the European forests suffer damage from acid rain and 63% of European ecosystems suffer from excessive nitrogen deposition.

Edie (Internet), UK, Dec. 03, 2004

Mayor seeks to raise congestion charge to £8
Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London has asked Transport for London to consult on increasing the congestion charge to £8 for private cars entering the centre of London. Commercial fleet vehicles would see their charges increase to £7. The earliest the changes to the charge could come in would be next July and would be accompanied by new measures to remove the `hassle` of paying the charge, including a 15% reduction for monthly and annual payments. "The congestion charge has been an unprecedented success in dramatically reducing congestion, pollution and accidents. The reliability of bus services has been transformed by the fall in traffic.

Edie (Internet), UK, Dec. 03, 2004

Jatropha dream fading away?
The flurry of activity that marked cultivation of Jatropha for production of bio-diesel has suddenly receded. Soon after Y S Rajasekhara Reddy took over as the Chief Minister six months ago, the officials proposed plantations in 40,000 acres saying that it would enable farmers make a lot of money. But they walked into a wall as they could not procure 400 tonnes quality seed required for 40,000 acres.Meanwhile, the companies (about 242) which showed interest in setting up diesel extraction plants began having second thoughts. Prominent among them were Reliance, Godrej, Southern Bio Diesel and Natural Bio Energy.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, Dec. 02, 2004, Page No. 3

City may breathe easy if KSPCB board has its way
If the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) manages to implement all its plans for reducing pollution in the near future, residents of Bangalore might just be able to breathe easy in 2010. Although the environment scenario in the city looks pretty bleak at present, KSPCB says that pollution levels will be brought down in the next few years with some major initiatives planned in the near future. Vehicular emission is the main culprit here, with the number of two and three-wheelers increasing exponentially over the years. At present, there are around 20 lakh vehicles in the city, of which a staggering 17 lakh are two-wheelers and autorickshaws alone.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, 1supp, Dec. 02, 2004

Hydrogen, the new fuel Zen?
There`s good news for the green men. If CNG has offered Delhi`s choked lungs some respite, hydrogen promises to help us Dilliwallas breathe easy. While this initiative is all set to start in December 2005 -- when about a dozen `special` autorickshaws will run from the CGO Complex till Central Secretariat -- the research and development (R&D) of the project is in the last stages at the Hydrogen Energy Centre (HEC), Benares Hindu University, where the fuel is being tested for various purposes, as a cooking gas included. "Hydrogen is not only clean and renewable, it is also indigenous. One big advantage of using the fuel is that it is found in abundance in solar energy and water.

The Times of India, New Delhi, 1(s), Dec. 02, 2004

Air pollution, cigarette smoke fuel lung problems
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a condition characterised by blocks in the lungs that prevent air movement, is on the increase, fuelled by air pollution and continued exposure to cigarette smoke.The condition usually affects people above 40, but now even younger people are being affected, says R. Narasimhan, an asthma specialist.

The Hindu, Chennai, Nov. 30, 2004, Page No. 6 & www.hinduonnet.com

`Better public transport will curb pollution`
Efforts are being made to improve the public transport system in the city in a bid to decrease air pollution, said Principal Secretary Transport B.L. Sridhar in Bangalore. Speaking after inaugurating a seminar titled “Towards Air Pollution-Free Bangalore Roads” held in the city, Sridhar said within October 2005, Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) would have added enough buses to its fleet to raise the number from 3,200 to 4,300. BMTC had already added 600 buses to its fleet, he added. Sridhar said the government was aware of the tendency among people to buy cars in order to travel in luxury and hence had introduced air-conditioned buses to curb this trend. The A/C buses had become quite popular, he added.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, 4supp, Nov. 30, 2004

BMTC buses now more eco-friendly, claims transport secy
Mr B L Sridhar, principal secretary for transport, the government of Karnataka, says that the BMTC buses are not emitting noxious fumes any more. With their compliancy with Bharat II emission norms (only the new ones, of course) the buses are more eco-friendly than ever before. Mr Sridhar was speaking at a workshop titled ‘Towards air-pollution free Bangalore roads’ held at the Brigittine Welfare Centre in Bangalore.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, Nov. 30, 2004, Page No. 2

Ontario fuel to contain five percent ethanol by 2007
Gasoline in Canada`s most populous province will contain an average of 5 percent of pollution-reducing ethanol by 2007, the Ontario government said. Gasoline wholesalers can blend with ethanol, an additive made from corn and other plants, or trade renewable fuel credits to reach the target, the provincial government said in a news release. The ethanol mandate will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 800,000 tonnes, the equivalent of taking 200,000 cars off the road, Ontario said.

Environmental News Network(Internet), US, Nov. 29, 2004

City vehicles may soon run on CNG: Aiyar
Rampant use of petrol in Guwahati may soon be a thing of the past with the gateway to the North-east getting a berth in the priority list of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for making compressed natural gas (CNG) available. Talking to newsmen in the city today, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar said that Guwahati was in the priority list of his Ministry for making CNG available, and in that case, the use of petrol would be drastically brought down, and hence the pollution level.

The Sentinel, Guwahati, Nov. 29, 2004, Page No. 1

Plans to grow bio-diesel
The process of growing pongemia trees to generate bio-diesel has begun in the district. Samagra Vikasa, a Bangalore based NGO, has started identifying healthy adult pongemia trees in the district so that their seeds would be used to raise nurseries. Revealing this to this website’s newspaper Y.B.Ramakrishna of Samagra Vikasa said they have plans to identify at least 200 such adult trees in the district with the help of local people. With an active participation of Land Use Board (earlier Waste Land Development Board) and Social Forestry wing of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department this bio-diesel project has been taken up on a large scale in the State.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, Nov. 28, 2004, Page No. 4

Vehicles emission norms given the go-by
Over the month has passed since amended norms pollution norms were brought into force for vehicles across the country, but these are yet to be put into practice at pollution testing centers in Punjab and Chandigarh. Norms have been drastically revised for carbon monoxide (CO) and hydro carbon (HC) emission levels, based on year of manufacture of the vehicles, and the states were supposed to implement these from October 15.

The Indian Express, Chandigarh, Nov. 27, 2004, Page No. 5

Eco-friendly scooters to hit roads next week
Bangalore will soon have battery-operated electric scooters that could put an end to obnoxious fumes and annoying noise. Anil Ananthakrishna, a Bangalorean who has been designing and developing electric vehicles in the United States, Europe and China for the last three decades, will soon launch the vehicle exclusively in Bangalore. The vehicles will be manufactured in his plant in China, brought here in completely knocked down kits and assembled here. And with a maximum speed of just 40 to 50 km an hour, the city roads will be rid of speeding motorcycles that cause most mishaps.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, 1supp, Nov. 27, 2004

New norms for ethanol-doped petrol
The government has changed norms for the plan to run automobiles on ethanol-doped petrol due to poor ethanol supply. The new notification of the Petroleum Ministry does not make it mandatory for oil companies to blend ethanol in petrol. Ethanol should be procured only if it is economical. Addressing the Consultative Committee of Parliament, Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar said, ‘‘During July 2004, the oil marketing companies reported short supply of ethanol in Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Difficulties were also reported in finalising tender for future supply of ethanol in Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal.’’

The Indian Express, New Delhi, Nov. 27, 2004, Page No. 9

Ford considering diesel version of Fusion
Continuing the roll-out of the Ford Fusion crossover, the recently unveiled Urban Activity Vehicle, Ford India is exploring the possibility of launch of a diesel variant of this vehicle sometime next year and plans to produce 500 more recently unveiled Ikon Anniversary sedans. The Vice-President, Sales and Marketing, Ford India, Mr Vinay Piparsania, said, "We have not yet finalised any plans to produce diesel variants, since the focus now is on reaching out petrol versions across the country. We could possibly consider this sometime next year.

Business Line, New Delhi, Nov. 25, 2004, Page No. 3

Pollution board moots zero-emission norm for autos
The Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) has suggested to the Supreme Court not to increase the fleet of auto-rickshaws since they are a major source of pollution. Presenting this fact in the report tabled before the court, EPCA recommended introduction of three-wheeled scooter rickshaws (TSRs) with zero-emission on the lines of battery-operated vehicles. The report, on the one hand justified the requirement of TSRs stating them to be vital to the transportation plan of the city since they ferry more people than private cars.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, Nov. 23, 2004, Page No. 2

Pollution control body appeals to SC over three wheelers
Identifying three wheelers as a major source of pollution Control Authority (EPCA) has suggested to the Supreme Court that new registrations to the autorickshaw fleet in Delhi should be zero emission vehicles like the battery operated ones.

The Statesman, New Delhi, Nov. 22, 2004, Page No. 4

UK based D1 oil plans to set up biodiesel refinery in India
D1 Oil Plc, the UK’s largest alternative fuel major, is planning to enter the Indian market. The company has inked an agreement with Hyderabad-based Nandan Biomatrix Ltd for sourcing Jatropha, the raw material for biodiesel. D1 Oil is also planning to set up a biodiesel refinery in India. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel which can be used as an alternative to conventional diesel and petrol. It can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional fossil fuels.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, Nov. 22, 2004, Page No. 5

DTC to revamp old buses
Faced with a financial crunch, the Delhi Transport Corporation is now forced to recycle “buses” which are lying as scrap in bus depots. Before the Supreme Court made it mandatory that buses and auto-rickshaws in the Capital need to run on CNG, DTC’s fuel guzzling buses happily polluted the environment.

The Statesman, New Delhi, Nov. 21, 2004, Page No. 5

New pollution control norms coming
Coming down hard on the Delhi Petrol Dealers Association , the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority today refused to extend the December 15 deadline for implementation of new emission norms in the Capital. While the original deadline for implementation of the norms was October1, it is yet ot come into effect, Now with less than a month left of the new deadline, petrol dealers during an EPCA meeting today demanded a further extension on by yet another 15 days.”It is completely wring to ask for an extension , They have already missed the deadline and they want it extended yet again. In the meantime, it is the air of Delhi that is suffering. They have to invest for the new equipment needed for measuring the modified norms, “ said Anumita Roy Chowdhury of Centre for Science and Environment.

The Hindu, New Delhi, Nov. 21, 2004, Page No. 1 & www.hinduonnet.com

Court notice to Centre, six States on emission norms
The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre and Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh for enforcement of emission norms for vehicles.A Bench, comprising Justice Y.K. Sabharwal, Justice Arijit Pasayat and Justice S.H. Kapadia, issued the notice in the light of the report of the Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) suggesting measures to improve the air quality in Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Kanpur and Ahmedabad.

The Hindu, New Delhi, Nov. 21, 2004, Page No. 11 & www.hinduonnet.com

New pollution control norms coming
Coming down hard on the Delhi Petrol Dealers Association, the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority today refused to extend the December 15 deadline for implementation of new emission norms in the Capital. While the original deadline for implementation of the norms was October1, it is yet ot come into effect, Now with less than a month left of the new deadline, petrol dealers during an EPCA meeting today demanded a further extension on by yet another 15 days.”It is completely wring to ask for an extension , They have already missed the deadline and they want it extended yet again. In the meantime , it is the air of Delhi that is suffering. They have to invest for the new equipment needed for measuring the modified norms, “ said Anumita Roy Chowdhury of Centre for Science and Environment.

The Hindu, New Delhi, Nov. 21, 2004, Page No. 1

CSE blames panel for delay in fixing pesticide residue norms
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) on Friday alleged that the Central Committee for Food Standards (CCFS), which was to finalise pesticide residue norms for soft drinks, has delayed in taking a final decision by referring the matter to another committee. In a statement, the CSE said, "This clearly shows that the Government does not have the necessary will power to decide in favour of public health, and is being led astray by the industry. This makes the recent order of the Rajasthan High Court all the more relevant, since it puts the onus clearly on soft drink companies."

Business Line, New Delhi, Nov. 20, 2004, Page No. 3

SC wants order
The Supreme Court took a tough stand on registration of new autos in Delhi and the cretion of a bypass so that heavy vehicles do not enter the city. But this time, the Delhi government was well-prepared and told the apex court that it had already set the process in motion. The focus of the government now is to look for ways and means to convert the Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) into CNG mode. Popularly known as tempos, around 10,000 such vehicles are registered in the Capital.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, Nov. 20, 2004, Page No. 3

Parking policy first, projects later, rules SC
The Supreme Court restrained till further orders the Delhi Government from clearing any commercial project in the city till it formulated a parking plicy for the growing number of vehicles.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, Nov. 20, 2004, Page No. 1

Jatropha cultivation to boost rural economy: CM
The efforts of the Tamil Nadu government to promote the cultivation of jatropha, sweet sorghum and sugar beet and downstream industrial units for bio fuel will take the state’s rural economy to Himalayan heights, Chief Minister J Jayalalitha told the state Assembly today.

The New Indian Express, Chennai, Nov. 19, 2004, Page No. 3

Coverts to be replaced by CNG autos: Govt
The Delhi government is likely to introduce a scheme for replacement of old “converted” autos by new CNG autos. The move comes a months after Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit pulled up the Transport Department on account of visible pollution from vehicles. The old autos are were those converted form petrol to CNG and had a two stroke engine. The government feels autos with four stroke engines-which are new –cause less pollution.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 3spl., Nov. 19, 2004

A’bad-G’nagar route to have CNG buses soon
The Gujarat Government has decided to introduce CNG buses soon on the Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad route. The Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) has already ordered 15 CNG buses, each costing Rs 16 lakh, to ply on the route and plans to buy around 100 more by the end of this financial year.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, Nov. 18, 2004, Page No. 3

Brazilians gain from surge of interest in ethanol
Growing global demand for cleaner vehicle fuels and the possibility of falling farm subsidies in Europe have sparked several investments in Brazil’s ethanol industry. Brazilians and foreign investors are set to invest as much as $3bn over the next five eyars to increase ethanol production by 40 per cent, according to Unica, the Sao Paulo sugar cane federation.

Financial Times, London, Nov. 18, 2004, Page No. 3

Delhi can`t breathe easy
Delhi may well have reduce air pollution levels in the last few years, but new challenges are threatening to undo the good work in the absence of sustained initiative in this direction, said the participants at a lecture on air pollution today. They pointed out that lesser-known toxins like Benzene, Ozone and poly-aromatic compounds are emerging as new headaches in the post-conversion era in the capital. "Bucking the general trend, nitrogen dioxide levels are rising inthe city," warned Anumita Roy Chowdhury of the Centre for Science and Environment.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 3sp, Nov. 18, 2004

Plan to run vehicles on ethanol blended petrol under review
The Government is reviewing the ambitious programme to run automobiles on ethanol-doped petrol, a project which was launched by the previous NDA regime to reduce the country`s dependence on imported crude oil. The Petroleum Minister, Mr Mani Shankar Aiyar, has said that the review was necessitated due to poor sugarcane crop, limiting the availability of molasses and leading to spike in ethanol prices.

Business Line, New Delhi, Nov. 18, 2004, Page No. 3

GM appears able to meet China’s fuel-efficiency rules
General Motors Corp. appears able to meet new Chinese fuel-economy standards, said a U.S. environmental group that earlier issued a report concluding that less than half of the auto-mobile company’s fleet in China would be ready to comply with the 2005 requirements. The Washington, D.C. based World Resources Institute said it revised its earlier findings about GM ‘s readiness after ‘several conversations’ with the U.S. carmaker.

The Asian Wall Street Journal, Hong Kong, A2, Nov. 18, 2004

Smokiest Diwali, says CPCB; Delhi boasts campaign
There was noise and smoke this Diwali but the Central and state pollution control agencies do not seem to agree on whether Delhi should be worrying. While Central Pollution Control Board says pollution scaled new heights this time, Delhi Pollution Control Committee says the no-cracker campaign clinched a remarkable climbdown. DPCC issued a statement on Diwali without mentioning figures, and said its data from 40 stations indicated a victory for the Shiela Dikshit government’s campaign.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 3supp, Nov. 16, 2004

Toyota Prius hybrid voted European Car of the Year
Toyota Motor Corp’s Prius hybrid has been voted 2005 European Car of the Year, Japan’s top auto maker said, after the fuel-sipping sedan picked up the corresponding title in North America in January. Since its launch in early 2004, sales of the second-generation gasoline-electric Prius, which is in short supply all over the world, are expected to reach 8,500 units in Europe this year, the world’s second-biggest auto maker said.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, Nov. 16, 2004, Page No. 10

Bio-diesel to keep crude imports at bay
Chattisgarh, which is a pioneer in the production of bio-diesel has sought the co-operation of Karnataka and other states to produce bio-diesel in a big way to reduce the import of crude oil in the country. “We need to take up plantation of Jatropha curcas (Ratan Jyoth) in a big way, which will help in bio-diesel production and also meeting the Bharat II emission norms of 2007 and Bharat III norms of 2010’, Dr D N Tewari, vice-chairman, Chattisgarh State Planning Commission told. Dr Tewari said that India’s import of crude oil was around 97,000 crore last year. This will go up drastically this year.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, Nov. 15, 2004, Page No. 5

Diwali`s sound & fury depresses dogs
You might have enjoyed your Diwali by bursting out crackers but your pet has certainly not. Post Diwali, the city vertinary doctors have been flooded with varied cases reporting behavioural disorderness to chronic respiratory problems in dogs. The crackers containing more than permissible amount of toxic substances have adversely affected the animals in general especially the dogs. "We have received at least 20 complaints within 24 hours after Diwali that the pet dog has lost appetite. The effect is the same for the stray dogs but nobody thinks for them," said Dr Nagendra Yadav of Pet and Birds Zone, Moti Bagh. He further said, "In some cases, the dogs had developed a sudden fear tending to hide themselves in a secluded place."

The Pioneer, New Delhi, Nov. 15, 2004, Page No. 3

Ban on old diesel vehicles sought
The Janhit Foundation has called for a ban on use of old diesel vehicles offloaded from Delhi to Meerut and introduction of CNG run vehicles to save Meerut from becoming a sick city. A very large number of old diesel cars. Tempos and buses of Delhi are being sold to the neighbouring areas after the Supreme Court ruling that diesel vehicles more than eight year old be phased out of the Capital.

The Hindu, New Delhi, Nov. 15, 2004, Page No. 5 & www.hinduonnet.com

Noise and pollution were higher this Diwali, says CPCB
Trashing the `No Cracker Campaign` Delhiites celebrated Diwali with even more aplomb than last year. Though noise levels have increased marginally since last year, air pollution has gone up substantially, according to a study conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). However a Diwali survey carried out by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) contradicts this, saying that both air and noise pollution have declined.

The Times of India, New Delhi, Nov. 15, 2004, Page No. 5

Bio diesel: the pros and costs
Bio diesel may be the future but it is a little way off, simply because the cost of production is still more than ordinary diesel.A government report on biodiesel shows that diesel can be about Rs 3 more expensive per litre. For diesel, after transportation and storage costs, goes upto Rs 24 and above . Initially at least only fie percent of bio diesel will be mixed with regular diesel and that is going to push up costs by 40 paise per litre.

The Statesman, New Delhi, Nov. 13, 2004, Page No. 10

Premier Auto plans to launch multipurpose diesel vehicle
Premier Automobiles Ltd is all set to tap the domestic market with a niche product, a multipurpose diesel vehicle called Premier Sigma. Speaking to newspersons, Mr Atul Akolkar, Head (Sales and Marketing), said that the vehicle was being developed in technical collaboration with China Motor Company, ROC-Taiwan, an affiliate of Mitsubishi Motors. The vehicle production would be carried out at the Chinchwad facility of the company and an investment of Rs 25 crore (from land sale) has been made to make it a modern facility.

Business Line, New Delhi, Nov. 13, 2004, Page No. 14

Diwali getting quieter
On Diwali eve, there is some good news. Pollution levels monitored over the past three years indicate a definite fall. The anti-cracker campaign launched by Delhi government and a general awareness has led to a fall in sales and this is also reflected in the pollution levels. As far as air pollution levels are concerned, it is the particulate matter which counts the most, says Anumita Sengupta of Centre for Science and Environment. And this, too, has shown a decline. Central Pollution Control Board, which monitors air pollution at nine sites on Diwali day, found that at a non-residential area like ITO where vehicular pollution is high, particulate matter level was 268 microgram per cubic metre on Diwali eve in 2001. On Diwali day, it peaked at 754.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 1supp, Nov. 12, 2004

Air pollution
The pollution levels in Kathmandu, especially during winter are comparable to some of the most polluted cities in the world. High concentration of fine dust particles in Kathmandu’s air is the main problem. Although pollutants such as CO₂, SO₂, NO₂ are within national and international standards, the PM10 (particles smaller than 2.5 micron in size that can directly enter lungs) is alarmingly high. As the current level of pollution is still beyond the safe limit, the health of the residents of Kathmandu valley is under assult. (Editorial)

The Kathmandu Post, Kathmandu, Nov. 10, 2004, Page No. 4

Pollution in southern China exceeds U.S. standards, study says
Air pollution levels in China`s industrial Pearl River Delta are two to five times higher than U.S. air quality standards, a Hong Kong think tank said. In neighbouring Hong Kong, one of Asia`s top finance and trade hubs, particulate levels were twice as high as U.S. standards, the study found. Levels of fine particulates were highest in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, followed by Shenzhen and Zhongshan, which all neighbour Hong Kong, the Civic Exchange said as it released findings of a two-year environmental study of the region.

Environmental News Network(Internet), US, Nov. 10, 2004

Biodiesel offers potential environmental, economic benefits
The message at a biodiesel conference held at the Georgia Farm Bureau on Tuesday was simple: Georgia is ripe for creating a successful new fuel industry. About 70 people attended the conference about oil- and fat-based diesel fuel, which many participants predicted would have long-range economic and environmental impacts in the state. Georgia is a leader in poultry and vegetable oil production. "All the elements of success are here: farm supporters, distributors and producers," said Martin Bierne, director of Southeastern Region World Energy.

Environmental News Network(Internet), US, Nov. 10, 2004

`Unfriendly` rickshaws adding to pollution
Despite being declared as an unfriendly vehicle some circles in the province are trying to get the Ching Chee rickshaws (Pakistan) regularized. Urban centres of the NWFP, including Peshawar, Mardan, Swat, Kohat, Swabi and remote areas like Tank, Lakki Marwat, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan have experienced substantial growth in the number of these rickshaws, a specially-designed public transport which involves an iron-made cart connected with a motorbike from behind.

Dawn (Internet), Pakistan, Nov. 09, 2004

Dikshit outlines plan to check vehicular emissions
Construction of expressways between neighboring states so as to avoid passage of vehicles using the Capital as a transit and extension of the Metro rail are apart of the government’s plans for the future. Delhi chief minister Sheila Dishit was delivering the keynote address at the working level of the joint project ‘Asian Cities Network for controlling vehicle emissions under ANMC-21’.

The Times of India, New Delhi, Nov. 09, 2004, Page No. 9

CM concerned at pollution in Asia
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit suggested a multi-pronged strategy to deal with pollution caused by smoke emitted by the vehicles in not only Delhi but all over Asia. The Chief Minister also said that high capacity buses, use of electric trolley buses, trams for congested areas and proposed elevated ring road for faster moving and signal free transport will certainly help to control the vehicular emissions.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, Nov. 09, 2004, Page No. 3

Nazim refuses to issue NOC for CNG station
The Larkana district (Pakistan) has terminated proceedings to grant a no-objection certificate for setting up a CNG filling station in a portion of the local Railway Park. The nazim in his letter addressed to the district coordination officer on October 22 said that the filling station may cause nuisance as it was being set up next to the Chandka Medical College Hospital (city block) and another medical complex, sources told this correspondent.

Dawn (Internet), Pakistan, Nov. 07, 2004

The track to wellville: A Metro miracle is in the making
Cleaner air, crores saved in fuel and fewer accidents. By 2005, the Metro will spread its network from Delhi University to Central Secretariat, IP Estate to Dwarka and Shahdara to Rithala. According to a study by Delhi Metro Rail corporation this would lead to a 21% reduction in air pollution as several private vehicles and buses will go off the roads. As levels of carbon dioxide, suspended particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbons in the city’s air go down, quality of life will go up.

The Times of India, New Delhi, Nov. 07, 2004, Page No. 1

First CNG bus on Ahmedabad roads
City denizens can finally cheer, with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) inaugurating the first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus. Another CNG bus, too, is ready and will be on the road after a fortnight. The CNG is being supplied by Adani group from its gas station at Ramol on a temporary basis, as the work on extending the gas pipeline to the two AMC gas station at Jamalpur and Memco is still not finished.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, Nov. 04, 2004, Page No. 3

Mazda will make a hybrid SUV
Mazda Motor, Japan’s fourth largest carmaker said that it was entering the market for fuel-efficient gasoline-electric vehicles, sharing technology with Ford Motor to catch up with its larger rival, Toyota Motor. Mazda, of which Ford owns a third, said it was planning to make a version of the Tribute sport utility vehicle powered by a gasoline engine and an electric motor, a hybrid version similar to the Ford Escape.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, B3, Nov. 03, 2004

Mazda will make a hybrid SUV
Mazda Motor, Japan’s fourth-largest carmaker, said that it was entering the market for fuel-efficient gasoline-electric vehicles, sharing technology with Ford Motor to catch up with its larger rival, Toyota Motor. Mazda, of which Ford owns a third, said it was planning to make a version of the Tribute sport utility vehicle powered by a gasoline engine and an electric motor, a hybrid version similar to the Ford Escape.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, B3, Nov. 03, 2004

LPG-run school vans putting children at risk
The lives of thousands of school children are at risk. According to a Delhi Police estimate, 90 per cent of school vans operating in the Capital are running illegally on domestic LPG cylinders. Apart from the danger this poses, the rampant use of LPG in school vans has also created a LPG supply crisis. According to a Supreme Court direction, the use of LPG cylinders in school vans is illegal. Despite this, LPG is used in vans, throwing all caution to the wind. According to sources, school vans are using domestic LPG cylinders on a large scale only due to the lacklustre approach of the Transport Department.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, Nov. 03, 2004, Page No. 3

Gujarat to drive on CNG, LNG
Gujarat will become the second state in the country after Delhi to run its entire transport fleet on CNG and LNG. The Gujarat Chief Secretary, Mr P K Laheri, who was in New Delhi to participate in a day-long State Chief Secretaries’ Conference on Good Governance, told presspersons that efforts had been launched to convert the State’s transport fleet into the CNG/LNG mode.

Business Line, New Delhi, Nov. 03, 2004, Page No. 17

DaimlerChrysler to reintroduce clean diesel
Global car major DaimlerChrysler has embarked on a major initiative that will seek to reintroduce clean diesel to markets across the world. The company is in the middle of a programme that will campaign for what it terms the "bread and butter" technology of today, namely combustion engines. It is working on next generation fuel injection systems for petrol and diesel engines, which will address the issue of emissions, which is an area of concern for many countries. Top priority for the carmaker`s research strategy is its vision for `accident-free driving`. The company will use a combination of active and passive safety systems including features such as radar systems for collision mitigation.

Business Line, New Delhi, Nov. 02, 2004, Page No. 2

CM flags off bio-diesel car, all praise for DCE
Delhi College of Engineering’s (DCE)’s Bio-diesel Research Group has added yet another feather to its cap. The group has come up with a bio-diesel powered car which was flagged off by Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit from her residence. The Chief Minister lauded DCE’s Biodiesel Research Group for their tireless efforts in developing the technology and hoped the biodiesel powered vehicle will give the required impetus to the biodiesel mission in the country.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 4supp, Nov. 02, 2004

Automobile pollution
Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Board`s (PCB) direction to implement Bharat-II equivalent of Euro-II norm for checking of pollutant emission of the vehicles for registration is a welcome step. At the first instance it is surprising that this direction for registration of all sorts of vehicles has come a few years later compared to rest of the states of the country but still it is never too late to implement pollution checking norms in J&K. These norms have been made mandatory for all sorts of vehicles in the metropolitan cities of the country for registration of vehicles for operation on Indian roads. …editorial

The Kashmir Times, Jammu, Nov. 01, 2004, Page No. 6

Circa 2005: Delhi auto-rickshaws to run on hydrogen
After having successfully run the city`s entire public transport system on eco-friendly CNG for the past few years, the Capital is all set to realise its dream of self-reliance in fuel energy in 12 months time. As part of an ambitious plan, about a dozen auto-rickshaws operating on hydrogen fuel extracted from water will ply on Delhi roads from the Central Government Offices complex on Lodi Road to Central Secretariat from December 2005.

The Hindu, New Delhi, Nov. 01, 2004, Page No. 1 & www.hinduonnet.com

College develops biodiesel
A research group at the DU-affiliated Delhi College of Engineering (DCE) has developed bio-diesel fuel from two plant varieties. DCE principal Prof. P.B. Sharma said that the fuel had been developed from Karanja and Jetropha plants. Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit flag off a trial run of a vehicle powered by this fuel. Sharma added that the fuel was produced by crushing the seeds of these plants. Both plant varieties are grown at the DCE campus at Rohini. Sharma, who is the chief co-ordinator of the research group, said that if the bio-diesel fuel will be very economical if mass produced.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, Nov. 01, 2004, Page No. 4

GM makes push for cleaner vehicles
General Motors, which has four manufacturing ventures in China, has said it will help the country’s largest carmaker develop low-polluting vehicles that run on gasoline-electric engines and fuel cells. GM said that it would collaborate with Shanghai Automotive Industry to build a vehicle next year usign its HydroGen3 fuel cells.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, B1, Nov. 01, 2004

New emission norms for motor registration
The Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Board has directed the Transport commissioner that henceforth only vehicles meeting Bharat-II emission norms or vehicles fitted with three way closed loop catalytic LPG converters should be registered. The chairman of the board has also directed the transport commissioner to take steps to introduce LPG driven autorickshaws in Jammu and Srinagar.

The Kashmir Times, Jammu, Oct. 31, 2004, Page No. 1

`Future lies in hydrogen, renewable sources`
The era of oil and natural gas is "slowly coming to an end", thanks to the environmental hazards created by way of emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs), depletion of reserves and increasing political risks, the Additional Secretary in the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, M.S. Srinivasan, said in chennai today. The future of energy security would lie in hydrogen and renewable energy sources, including biofuel. Addressing the inaugural session of the "Oil and Gas Meet — Focus on Latest Environmental Trends", last conference of the Energy Summit 2004 organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Mr. Srinivasan said spending of thousands of crores in refineries to improve the quality of fuel and reduce sulphur and other pollutants, amounted to "tinkering" with the environmental hazard, which lay in the amounts of heat-trapping greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide emitted by hydrocarbons.

The Hindu, Chennai, Oct. 31, 2004, Page No. 5 & www.hinduonnet.com

Gujarat move on jatropha
The Gujarat Government is planning to introduce captive and corporate farming for the cultivation of jatropha plants on wastelands in the state, the Mnister for Industries and Mines, Mr Anil Patel, has said. Mr Patel was in Ahmedabad city to participate in a conference on `Bio-Diesel`, organised by the Centre for Bharatiya Marketing Development (CBMD), a unit of the Swadeshi Jagaran Foundation.

Business Line, New Delhi, Oct. 29, 2004, Page No. 19

Hydrogen blended CNG to power Delhi vehicles
Delhi roads will see hydrogen run vehicles from next year. To begin with, the government will run about a dozen commercial vehicles in which hydrogen would be blended with CNG in a 1:9 ratio.This would be the first project on hydrogen blending in the country and the cost of installing hydrogen CNG fuel stations and production of hydrogen would be roughly Rs 20 crores.

The Statesman, New Delhi, Oct. 27, 2004, Page No. 1

CNG move, Capital to Gurgaon
Haryana has finally woken up to CNG. Private operators were recently issued permits by the state government to ply 28 CNG buses between Gurgaon and Delhi. ‘‘At the moment, Haryana Roadways’
doesn’t have CNG buses of its own. However, that may change soon with our department set to add another 1,000 buses to the existing fleet,’’ said V.S. Hooda, Haryana Roadways’ general manager at Gurgaon Depot. ‘‘These new CNG buses are all private.’’ The decision to give permits for CNG buses, officials say, followed the response to bus services introduced in Gurgaon and Faridabad. ‘‘It was being increasingly felt that inter-city service should be introduced between Gurgaon and Delhi. And it was high time Haryana tested CNG,’’ said a Transport official.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 4supp, Oct. 27, 2004

Instruments not ready, deadline for pollution norms extended
In just over two months from now, your Euro-2 car`s permissible level of carbon monoxide (CO) emission has to be 0.05 per cent. In other words, more sophisticated equipment, called Four Gas Analysers, will check your vehicles` exhaust gases for CO and hydrocarbons. There`s nothing much to worry though. New Euro-2 vehicles conform to this limit though the current permissible limit is 3 per cent (for CO). The testing methods remain the same — in case of petrol vehicles idling gas output will be taken while for diesel vehicles free acceleration smoke is measured.The Centre for Science and Environment, a New Delhi-based non-governmental organisation, said that as the State Governments failed to crack the whip in time, the PUC operators failed to place orders for new instruments. The manufacturers, in turn, failed to supply adequate numbers of instruments on time. As a result, even this small chance of revamping the ineffective vehicle inspection programme — that came after 12 long years — was, the CSE said.

The Hindu, Chennai, Oct. 26, 2004, Page No. 4 & www.hinduonnet.com

Lamby to the slaughter
It’s a silent and unsung exit for the front-engine Lamby autorickshaws which were once a common feature on city roads. The dwindling numbers of these autorickshaws, manufactured by the Kerala Automobiles Ltd (KAL), suggest that a majority of Kochiites prefer the faster Bajaj autorickshaw than hail down Lamby autos for a ride. Lamby autorickshaws, first manufactured by Andhra Pradesh Automobiles India, were an instant hit that KAL started mass production of these autorickshaws in Kerala in the early 80s.

The New Indian Express, Kochi, 1supp, Oct. 25, 2004

Lanka to ban 2-stroke vehicles import
Sri Lanka is set to ban the import of the highly polluting two-stroke engine vehicles in a move that could affect Indian motorcycle and rickshaw manufacturers, officals said. The two-stroke engines spew out unburned gasoline and causes serious environmental pollution and the Transport Ministry has prepared a Cabinet paper on slapping the ban, the Transport Secretary, Mr Don S Jayaweera, said.

Business Line, New Delhi, Oct. 25, 2004, Page No. 5

CV cos to hike prices on new environment norms
Commercial vehicle (CV) prices could go up by 3-5% in the next few months, once new environmental
laws are in place. Industry majors say the new environmental norms set to come into force from April 1, ’05, may lead to an overall jump in vehicle costs. Consequently, some truck operators are advancing their purchases in FY05. CV volumes have been growing steadily from a little over a lakh units in ’02-03 to around 1.5 lakh units in ’03-04. This year is likely to see the CV industry touching the 2 lakh mark.

The Economic Times, New Delhi, Oct. 25, 2004, Page No. 11

Euro-III norms from April 2005
The government is set to notify more stringent vehicular emission norms with the indication of Euro-III norms in 11 cities across India from 1 april, 2005.

The Statesman, New Delhi, Oct. 24, 2004, Page No. 8

Vehicles weigh heavy on this city
The youngest city in India Chandigarh has the highest vehicular density in the country.The capital Delhi comes second after. Chandigarh as far as vehiculuar density is concerned.With a population of around one million country`s youngest city has already beocme an urban concrete jungle. And the city now boasts of the highest density of vehicles in the country.

The Statesman, New Delhi, Oct. 23, 2004, Page No. 5

States object to Delhi govt proposal on CNG reform
Delhi government`s proposal for a cleaner neighbourhood for the Capial city seems to have hit a roadblock even before it was rolled out following objections from the state governments. The tussle started when transport authority of Delhi was moving forward with their plans for phase two fo CNG reforms, concentrating on the movement of polluting vehicles from Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Gurgaon.

The Statesman, New Delhi, Oct. 23, 2004, Page No. 2

New emission norms for cars
Paving the way for further air clean-up in 11 metros including Bangalore, the Centre on Wednesday has notified more stringent Bharat stage-III emission norms for passenger cars which would come into effect from April 2005. Notification of the new norms would enable car manufacturers to get their vehicles certified and distributed to the market so that they would be available for the customers next year. Besides Bangalore, the new emission standard would be applicable for vehicles in Delhi including the national capital region, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Surat, Kanpur and Agra while the new vehicles sold in the rest of the country would shift to BS-II norms. Almost 40 per cent of total cars in India are sold in these 11 cities.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, Oct. 21, 2004, Page No. 11

Bus service between Gurgaon, Delhi
The Haryana Government has issued permits to 28 CNG buses that would provide a local bus service
between Gurgaon and Delhi. The Government in view of the growing need for an effective mass transit system in Gurgaon and Faridabad, is exploring the possibility of setting up a Mono Rail system in these two cities.

The Indian Express, Chandigarh, Oct. 21, 2004, Page No. 6

Haryana permits CNG buses in Gurgaon-Delhi
In Haryana, permits have been issued to 28 CNG buses for providing local bus service between Gurgaon and Delhi. This was revealed in a meeting of the Transport Department presided over by the Chief Minister, Mr Om Prakash Chautala.

Business Line, New Delhi, Oct. 21, 2004, Page No. 19

Vehicular pollution high in MP
The pollution caused by the vehicles is rapidly increasing in cities like Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior and Bhopal etc. This is posing serious health problems to local citizens and also causing harm to environment. However in order to control pollution, the MP pulltion Control Board and transportation department is organizing vehicle checking camps every now and then but solution of problem is still far away.

Central Chronicle, Bhopal, 4spl., Oct. 19, 2004

Creation of new roads keeps pace with boom in vehicle population
Building and planning of roads are turning out to be the ultimate development dream for the State. The road length under the local bodies in Kerala shot up from 66158 km in 1980 to 106632 in 2003 adding an asphalt length of 40,474 km. The length of roads under the Public Works Department (PWD) in the State has also increased from 17,408 km in 1980 to 22,991 km in 2003. The total length of National Highways (NH) in the State is 1547 km, which is 37.10 km per square km of land area against the national average of 19.95 km.

The New Indian Express, Kochi, Oct. 17, 2004, Page No. 4

Workshop on Vehicular Pollution held at IIP
Uttaranchal State Road Transport officers from various parts of Northern India, West Bengal, Chattisgarh, Rajasthan, Nagaland, Assam and NCT, New Delhi assembled recently at the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Dehradun, to get an exposure to the technical aspects of pollution generated by vehicles. A total of 16 participants were to be given hands-on experience on various devices for measurement of pollutants in vehicles emissions.

Garhwal Post, Dehradun, Oct. 17, 2004, Page No. 5

TN industrialists evince interest in biofuel
When a Mercedes Benz car drove down from Chandigarh to Pune last year using biofuel extracted from seeds of Jatropha curcas, a weed that grows on wasteland, it created a ripple among many young entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu. Realising the potential of this plant, the Tamil Nadu government too chipped in and started encouraging Jatropha cultivation.The government’s thrust on this cultivation for extracting bio-fuel from its seeds would require an investment of Rs 45 billion and generate employment for at least 4.5 lakh persons for about 100 days in a year.Tamil Nadu is among the five front-runners among 14 states identified for extensive Jatropha plantation through the Joint Forest Management and Forest Department.

The Tribune, New Delhi, Oct. 17, 2004, Page No. 21

CNG for Noida by January
The UP Principal Secretary, Environment, Mr Vinod Malhotra, said CNG would be made available in Noida by January 2005. To begin with, daily 2 million cubic feet CNG will be available. The first four stations will be set up at a cost of Rs 54.48 crore while in Greater Noida, four stations will cost Rs 27.65 crore. The issue of uniform rates in Meerut, Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad and Bulandshahr like in Delhi, was also discussed. In any case, the supply will be made available by January 05 in Noida, he declared. Law will soon take its on course against the municipal committees, which fail to manage the solid waste in their cities and towns.The environment department of the state government was examining the replies received from all municipal committees to the notices sent by the department a month ago. This was stated by the principal secretary in a meeting of the state environment department in Noida. Mr Malhotra had reprimanded the officials from Ghaziabad, Noida and Meerut for the tardy work.

The Tribune, New Delhi, Oct. 17, 2004, Page No. 4

L&T bags MRPL clean fuel project
Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals (MRPL) has awarded Larsen & Tourbo a turnky contract for setting up a clean fuel facility to produce Euro III and Euro IV compliant petrol. With India having already laid out the guidelines for the introduction of better quality transport fuels across the companies are in the process of upgrading their facility to meet the regulatory clean fuel norms.

The Economic Times, New Delhi, Oct. 16, 2004, Page No. 11

2 stations to monitor air quality
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), New Delhi, has sanctioned setting up of two ambient air quality monitoring stations at Baddi and Kala Amb. Aimed at monitoring the ambient quality of air pollutants like sulphur dioxide, nitrous oxide and other suspended particulate matter in these industrial areas, Rs 25 lakh has been provided for the purpose. Officials in the board said the proposal, which was mooted by the board about two months back, had been readily accepted by the CPCB. This would ensure a regular monitoring of the air quality in these areas which had registered a rapid industrial growth in the past two years. While sulphur dioxide posed no immediate threat to the environment in the region, the fast increasing vehicles had created a rather high level of nitrous oxide in the air.

The Tribune, New Delhi, Oct. 16, 2004, Page No. 15

Air pollution mapped in detail
The most detailed map yet of man-made air pollution has been drawn up by German, Dutch and Belgian scientists using satellite pictures from space. The global map highlights areas with a high concentration of nitrogen dioxide in the air, which is emitted, for example by heavy industry.

Financial Times, London, Oct. 15, 2004, Page No. 8

Pollution test for CNG vehicles sought
Worried over reluctance of government agencies and automobile manufacturers to carry forward the battle to clean Delhi`s air, the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority has sought mandatory introduction of "lambda test`` for checking "pollution`` in eco-friendly CNG vehicles. It has also sought data on how many CNG buses and other such vehicles have reported burn-out of their catalytic converters in the recent past. It has asked the Delhi Government to cancel the fitness certificates of all vehicles found indulging in visible pollution due to poor maintenance. EPCA has sought a weekly report from the State Transport Department about how many fitness certificates of such polluting vehicles had been terminated and also wants the Government to widely publicise this drive against pollution. However, it has been clarified that the CNG vehicle pollution was not on account of the eco-friendly fuel but more so because of the poor maintenance of vehicles. "We have approached the Supreme Court for making lambda test mandatory for CNG vehicles having catalytic converters. The matter is likely to come up for hearing after four weeks during which the respondent parties have been asked to put forward their views. This is a worrying situation and something drastic needs to be done to stop Delhi`s air from getting polluted by invisible pollutants,`` remarked the Centre for Science (CSE) Director and EPCA member, Sunita Narain.

The Hindu, New Delhi, Oct. 14, 2004, Page No. 4 & www.hinduonnet.com

Call to set up more CNG filling stations
The Southern Automobiles Ltd., a private sector automobile company has converted five thousand
octane/petrol vehicle into CNG system in its conversion workshop at Tejgoan.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, Oct. 13, 2004, Page No. 16

Deadline over, new PUC norms still in pipeline
In an attempt to revamp the hopelessly ineffective vehicle inspection system through the issuance of Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates, the central ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) instructed all state governments to implement upgraded PUC norms through the use of four gas analyser machines instead of the existing two gas analyser machines by October 1. However, while none of the state governments have met this deadline, the Gujarat government does not even have a proper implementation plan in place as the matter is still in the "processing" stage.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, Oct. 13, 2004, Page No. 3

GM plans hybrid buses for China
General Motors, the world’s largest automaker, said that it planned to assemble gasoline-electric buses in China with Shanghai Automotive Industry, responding to a government push to develop more fuel-efficient vehicles. General Motors and its Chinese partner will produce the so-called hybrid buses for the Shanghai market and will study the feasibility of mass-producing them nationally, General Motors China said. The company did not give a start date or production target.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, B3, Oct. 12, 2004

Govt gives PUCs a breather on new guidelines
The capital’s 400 pollution-under-control (PUC) centres are dragging their feet on implementation of the new vehicular pollution checking norms, threatening to push back efforts for cleaner air. The norms released by the Ministry of Road Transport were to come into force on October 1. The Delhi government has quietly put it off by a month and has issued letters to the PUC centres. Bhure Lal, who heads the SC committee on environment pollution, dismisses the PUC centres as worthless. ‘‘They achieve little. Only a centralised automated checking system where the tester and the vehicle owner don’t meet can make it foolproof,’’ he told Newsline. However, Centre for Science and Environment additional director Anumita Roychowdhury feels ‘‘the PUCs have to be there’’ in the absence of anything better.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 3supp, Oct. 12, 2004

Army trucks flout pollution norms, Defence secy told
Delhi government is going to target polluting army trucks in the city, as they have been found emitting toxic fumes. Delhi Chief Secretary S. Regunathan, at the instance of Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, today wrote to the Defence Secretary saying the emission norms needed to be followed. In the letter, Reghunathan said: ‘‘It is very disturbing to see that government vehicles are emitting polluting fumes. It took two years for the government to convert the DTC bus fleet and private commercial vehicles into CNG.’’

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 3supp, Oct. 09, 2004

Vehicular Pollution
The use of clean fuel for public transport vehicles has been receiving serious attention to make breathing air cleaner. Based on the recommendations of Mashelkar Committee, the government has announced that the new vehicles in the 11 major polluting cities in the country, including Delhi, will have to follow Euro-III emission norms from 1 April 2005, and Euro-IV norms from 1 April 2010. Euro-II norms are being followed in these cities at present. The other cities will have Euro-II norms from 1 April 2005, and Euro-III norms from 1 April 2010. The policy on fuel quality and emission norms is expected to reduce pollution. But it is reported that enforcement of emission norms in Kolkata is a joke because there is hardly any means of pollution control in terms of cleaner engine technology, cleaner fuel and better public transport. A study conducted by the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute shows that lung functioning of a majority of its population is impaired due to polluted air.

The Statesman, New Delhi, Oct. 08, 2004, Page No. 8

Indonesia eyes biodiesel as palm oil demand stagnates
Indonesia is exploring the bio-diesel market as world palm oil demand stagnates, especially as it plans to double plam oil area to 1 million hectares over the next 30 years, officials said. Biofuel produces much less pollution and engines need no significant modifications.

Business Line, New Delhi, Oct. 08, 2004, Page No. 10

New emission norms unlikely in next few months
It’s a catch-22 situation for Karnataka State Transport Department. Despite a Supreme Court order to enforce new emission norms to reduce air pollution, it has failed to enforce the revised norms as scheduled from October 1 for the simple reason that the testing equipment is obsolete. With this, motorists are likely to get few more months time for the change. So far, only carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide emissions were being tested. Now, even emission levels of hydrocarbons have to be measured. As per the Centre’s directions, the revised norms, which are more stringent then the existing ones, came into effect from October 1. After that all vehicles, except brand new ones or those up to a year old, should comply to the changes and get a fresh certificate.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, 1supp, Oct. 07, 2004

Fitness certificate of vehicles emitting black smoke to be cancelled
The Bangladesh government decided to cancel the fitness certificate of all vehicles emitting black smoke in the capital as also across the country in the interest of environment conservation. A high-level meeting took the decision. It also decided that electronic traffic signal systems woudl be introduced at 59 important rod-intersections in the city by December "for smooth vehiculr movement and eradicating traffic jam".

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, Oct. 06, 2004, Page No. 3

Ford executives adopt ambitious plan to rein in global warming
Top executives at Ford Motor have privately endorsed an aggressive goal of reining in global warming emissions from the automaker’s vehicles by 2030. Ford thus joins companies like BP and Toyota in approaching the issue as a business opportunity rather than a regulatory chore.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, Oct. 05, 2004, Page No. 11

Govt clears addl 2% tax on diesel vehicles
To discourage the use of diesel vehicles, the Delhi Cabinet approved a new tax regime for private non-commercial vehicles. Under the new tax regime, cars will be charged road tax on the basis of their prices or ad valorem. Vehicles will hence become more expensive with the Delhi Government`s decision to impose a two per cent road tax on the value of vehicles costing upto Rs four lakh and four per cent on those above Rs four lakh. An additional two per cent tax will be imposed on diesel vehicles.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, Oct. 05, 2004, Page No. 3

Delhi fails to meet pollution control deadline
Putting a question mark over the resolve to wage a battle against air and vehicular pollution, the Delhi Government and other cities including Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata have failed to meet the October 1 deadline for enforcing upgraded Pollution Under Control (PUC) norms. The norms were to become effective all over the country but the State Governments have failed to act and put in place a proper implementation plan putting a spoke in the wheel of the inspection programme. Reacting to the callous approach of the various Governments including the Delhi Government, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) Coordinator (Air Pollution), Anumita Roychowdhury, said the most unfortunate part of the whole situation was that even today there was no clear plan of action to contain this cascading delay and implement the upgraded norms.

The Hindu, New Delhi, Oct. 02, 2004, Page No. 4 & www.hinduonnet.com

Renewed guidelines for vehicle emissions
The Central Government has notified the renewed guidelines on maximum permissible limits of the noxious emissions from vehicles, with effect from October 1. The maximum limit of Carbon Monoxide (CO) emitted from two-wheeler and three-wheeler (both two- and four-stroke engines) manufactured before March 31, 2000 is 4.5 per cent and the maximum Hydro Carbon (HC) emission limit is 9,000 Parts Per Million (ppm). For two-stroke vehicles manufactured after March 31, 2000 the maximum limit of CO is 3.5 per cent, while HC permissible is up to 6,000 ppm. For four-stroke two and three wheelers, the maximum limit of CO emission is 3.5 per cent and HC is 4,500 ppm.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, Oct. 01, 2004, Page No. 2

Health, Safety and Environment Week 2004
The number of road accidents in Sri Lanka is on the rise and it is necessary to make all road users aware of the trend, SSP Alfred Wijewardena said. In 2002, there were 52,057 traffic accidents. In 2003 the figure rose to 59,444 and in the first six months of 2004 along 23,992 accidents had been reported with 528 fatalities, he added. Shell Sri Lanka has organized a Health, Safety and Environment Week 2004 with the aim of creating an awareness of road safety. Sri Lanka has 2.2 million registered vehicles with the number growing each year, Wijewardena said. "We only have 3,000 traffic policemen. It is necessary to train new cadres and it takes over one year to train them, he said.

The Island (Internet), Sri Lanka, Oct. 01, 2004

Dirty air but smoother drives
Delhi might have to wait a little bit longer for cleaner air. Most of the petrol pump owners in the city have refused to purchase a machine that would have checked a vehicle’s exhaust on four counts. Currently, only the carbon monoxide levels in an automobile’s emission are checked before a ‘pollution under control’ (PUC) certificate is issued. The government had mooted a new plan under which levels of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons and oxygen were to be checked in addition to CO levels for petrol cars, For diesel vehicles, oil temperature and engine RPM were to be checked in addition to smoke levels. The new norms were to be effective from October 1.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, Sept. 30, 2004, Page No. 5

Philippines plans coconut biodiesl export to Japan
The Philippines hopes to start exporting coconut-based biodiesel to Japan next year to meet the demand for more environmentally-friendly fuels for automobiles, a senior official from the Department of Agriculture said. The coconut-based biofuel is expected to significantly improve mileage and reduce harmful gas emissions.

Business Line, New Delhi, Sept. 30, 2004, Page No. 12

Toyota steals the environmental march
Just as European automakers once underestimated Toyota Motor’s ability to thirve on a continent dominated by Volkswagens, Renaults and Opels, they doubt Toyota’s gas-electric hybrid system will be a pre-eminent trend. The latest beach head for Toyota hybrids is in Europe, where frugal, environmentally conscious consumers now are flocking to diesel powered vehicles, accounting for between 40 percent and 50 percent of new-vehicle sales.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, B3, Sept. 29, 2004

MRPL to produce Euro-IV fuel by year 2007
Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd, a subsidiary of the state-owned gas major ONGC, has stepped up the implementation of its Rs 600-crore investment plan to produce Euro-IV fuel by 2007, much ahead of the national fuel policy deadline of 2010. In pursuit of this, MRPL is to invest Rs 100-crore for creating off-site storage facilities and another Rs 150-crore on product value addition during the next two years, said an ONGC official in the know of plans at the subisidary.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, Sept. 27, 2004, Page No. 11

BMW unveils world’s fastest hydrogen-powered car
German luxury carmaker BMW unveiled the world’s fastest hydrogen-powered car at the Paris auto show, dubbed the H2R, capable of exceeding 300 km per hour. An advantage of the higher combustion pressure of the hydrogen-air mixture is its higher degree of efficiency.

Business Line, New Delhi, Sept. 25, 2004, Page No. 4

Rival technologies vie for `green` car of tomorrow
Carmakers are presenting new-age automobiles at the Paris car show this week that could give much-hyped fuel cells a run for their money in the coming market for vehicles that do less damage to the environment. German luxury brand BMW unveiled the world`s fastest hydrogen-powered car, dubbed the H2R, which can hit a top speed above 300 kilometers per hour (185 mph) by burning hydrogen in a modified internal combustion engine. "Our drive toward the future is called hydrogen," but in a way that gives a green twist to existing engine technology, said BMW management board member Burkhard Goeschel.

Environmental News Network (Internet), US, Sept. 24, 2004

Pollution norms made stricter
This winter, the smog may be lesser, hopefully. From October 1, the system of checking vehicular pollution will become more stringent and will monitor more emissions. At present only carbon monoxide (CO) level in a vehicle’s exhaust is checked for giving it a pollution under control (PUC) certificate. Experts have called for stricter checking with greater validity periods than the current three months so that people don`t get harassed and the vehicle does not pollute the environment.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, Sept. 24, 2004, Page No. 2

Carmakers place bets on diesel
Toyota Motor and Honda Motor will use the Paris Car Show this week to raise sales of diesel-powered vehicles in Western Europe in an effort to catch up with local rivals. Toyota, Asia’s largest automaker, will unveil what it says is the world’s cleanest diesel engine, which will go on sale next year.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, B4, Sept. 22, 2004

Beware : City’s air is still highly polluted
The tale of Delhi’s pollution woes seem to be unending with hundreds of new vehicles added everyday. This results in polluted environment and choked lungs. A recent air quality survey by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) city confirms this. Excessive RSPM can cause ailments like asthma and bronchitis.

The Times of India, New Delhi, Sept. 22, 2004, Page No. 2

Green mirage: Delhi`s air is murkier
Buses and autos may not be blowing as much smoke into your face now, but that doesn`t mean Delhi is breathing easier. Every day, 500-700 private vehicles are added to the city`s burden, and with this category accounting for 65%-70% of the city`s air pollution, the view is indeed dim. The latest air quality survey, conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), at 10 city locations, shows that the respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM), nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide levels have exceeded permissible limits in many parts of Delhi.

The Times of India, New Delhi, Sept. 22, 2004, Page No. 1

Govt unhappy over Suzuki move
Government of India is not happy with its JV partner Suzuki Motor Corp’s (SMC) announcement regarding setting up of a new car manufacturing and diesel engine making ventures in India. According to senior officials, government intends to oppose these proposals at a meeting of the board of directors of Maruti Udyog in Delhi.

The Times of India, New Delhi, Sept. 21, 2004, Page No. 15

Wartsila launches dual-fuel engines for LNG carriers
With the LNG market in India heating up in the wake of a string of proposed LNG terminals, Wartsila India, a subsidiary of the Finnish major Wartsila Corporation, a leading global supplier of ship power equipment and engines, is launching the company`s new model of dual-fuel engines for LNG carriers. Until now, steam turbines have dominated as the cardinal propulsion machinery for LNG carriers the world over, for their apparent reliability and the ease with which they can burn the boil-off gas from the ship`s cargo tanks while at sea. Now the trend appears to be a switchover from these engines to dual-fuel engines that can deliver more natural gas to the offloading terminal, even when the gas is used as fuel throughout the voyage.

Business Line, New Delhi, Sept. 21, 2004, Page No. 2

Piaggio Vehicles to launch `quadri-cycle` next year
Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd plans to launch its "quadri-cycle" for the cargo market in the second half of 2005. Currently, extensive tests of the vehicle are underway. It has got the design for the quadri-cycle - a four-wheeler goods and passenger carrier - from its Italian parent and has got ready a prototype that has been modified for Indian conditions, according to Mr Ravi Chopra, Managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles Private Ltd. From a "few thousand vehicles" exported last year, Piaggio Vehicles hopes to increase exports to 20 per cent of total sales in the next couple of years. Its turnover is expected to grow from Rs 450 crore in 2003 to Rs 600 crore this year and the target is to increase it to Rs 1,000 crore by the end of 2005. Its profit before tax was "12 per cent to 13 per cent."

Business Line, New Delhi, Sept. 21, 2004, Page No. 2

Toyota, Honda plan more diesels to extend sales gain in Europe
Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. will use the Paris Car Show to try to boost sales of diesel-powered vehicles in Western Europe to catch up with local rivals. Toyota, Asia’s largest automaker, will unveil what it says is the world’s cleanest diesel engine, which will go on sale next year. Honda, Japan’s third-largest automaker, will display a diesel-powered FR-V minivan and a CR-V sport-utility vehicle, which it plans to sell in Europe in 2005.

Business Line, New Delhi, Sept. 21, 2004, Page No. 3

Gurgaon students stuck in CNG jam
The Delhi government’s decision to bar non-CNG buses on internal city routes has become a headache for Delhi University students living in Gurgaon. However, Haryana Roadways is running one of its diesel buses on “off the record” basis for DU from Gurgaon. According to VS Hooda, general manager, Gurgaon depot, “There is always a risk of the buses being seized by Delhi transport authorities. I have personally urged the Additional Transport Commissioner Kanwar Ahmed for exempting one diesel bus for plying on internal routes for the benefit of the students. Haryana Roadways does not earn any significant revenue on this, and it’s for the comfort of the students only.”

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, Sept. 18, 2004, Page No. 4

A Guide to planet-friendly cars
Americans love their cars. America invented the drive-in restaurant and the drive-in bank. NASCAR racing is one of the fastest growing spectator sports in the United States, and car magazines have millions of subscribers. Americans love their cars so much that the United States actually has more of them than they do drivers. For a total population of 292 million, there are 191 million drivers with a staggering 204 million vehicles parked outside their homes. Americans also love big cars and are buying as many light trucks (the category that includes sport-utility vehicles, or SUVs, as well as pickups) as they are passenger automobiles. The result is that the United States is the largest per-capita consumer of oil (using up 8 million barrels of it a day) and the largest per-capita producer of carbon dioxide (CO₂), the leading global warming gas.

Environmental News Network(Internet), US, Sept. 17, 2004

Toyota takes ‘green’ car into China
Toyota is to manufacture and sell the eco-friendly petrol and electricity powered Prius in China, one of the most environmentally challenged countries. The Japanese vehicle maker will join forces with First Automotive Works (FAW), China’s largest manufacturer of vehicles and one of Toyota’s two main partners in the country, to assemble Prius kits in the northeastern city of Changchun.

Financial Times, London, Sept. 16, 2004, Page No. 18

Toyota, FAW to build Prius hybrid car in China
Toyota Motor Corp. will start building its Prius hybrid sedans in China next year with FAW Group in a step it hopes would promote the vehicles as the global standard for fuel-efficient cars. The move could also help China as it looks for alternative energy sources and tries to keep pollution in check while demand for cars continues to expand. Toyota, the world`s second-largest auto maker, and First Automotive Works, China`s biggest, said in a statement yesterday they may also consider building an FAW-brand hybrid featuring Toyota`s technology.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, Sept. 16, 2004

Agra mulls clean-up act for Taj, Delhi style
Inspired by Delhi, Agra is likely to soon switch to compressed natural gas (CNG) as the preferred clean fuel for its vehicles. The world-famous Taj is said to be turning yellow with pollution, notably from vehicles. Though the Supreme Court had shut polluting industries near the Taj, vehicles still ply on unclean fuel in Agra. Confirming the move, Agra division commissioner Ashok Kumar said: "We plan to introduce CNG in Agra and the matter has been taken up with Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL)." Centre for Science and Environment director Sunita Narain, who fought for Delhi`s CNG conversion, said the UP government must ensure that adequate demand for CNG in the city of Taj. "The change in Delhi was very tough. Strict steps must be taken if the government is serious about it."

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, Sept. 16, 2004, Page No. 2

Govt to allocate Rs 250 crore for hydrogen energy projects
The Government has decided to allocate Rs 250 crore for projects taken up under the hydrogen energy programme over the next three years. The projects include Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOC) plan to make available hydrogen-blended CNG fuel in Delhi, Mathura and Faridabad by June 2005. The Planning Commission has also recommended an additional corpus fund of Rs 200 crore. This was decided in the second meeting of the National Hydrogen Energy Board (NHEB) set up by the Government. "By June 2005, some gas stations in New Delhi, Faridabad and Mathura will start blending ten per cent hydrogen with CNG. This will reduce the pollution levels caused by the fumes generated from the vehicles," said Dr S.K. Chopra, Senior Advisor in the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources. IOC has sought Rs 25 crore for the project.

Business Line, New Delhi, Sept. 16, 2004, Page No. 4

India to induct Bharart-II by April
India is poised to move another step forward in controlling vehicular pollution in its cities. It will introduce Bharat Stage II norms, which are equivalent to Euro II across the country by April 2005.

The Statesman, New Delhi, Sept. 15, 2004, Page No. 11

CNG dealers call off strike
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) dealers have called off their one-day strike following an assurance from the public sector oil companies that their commission would be revised. The oil companies had reduced the dealers’ commission at the beginning of the year from 73 paise per kg to 43 paise per kg. However, after negotiations, it was increased by 10 paise per kg to 53 paise per kg, said Petrol Dealers Association president Ravi Shinde.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, Sept. 15, 2004, Page No. 5

Hydrogen Energy Board to discuss panel proposals
The National Hydrogen Energy Board (NHEB), which is meeting in New Delhi under the chairmanship of the Minister for Non-Conventional Energy Sources, Mr Vilas Muttemwar, is to take up the recommendations of the Group on Hydrogen Energy for consideration and approval. The Group on Hydrogen Energy, set up by the Government last year, has recommended, among other things, the setting up of demonstration projects on hydrogen production, storage and distribution and its applications in decentralised power generation and automobiles. Several fiscal and financial measures, including the provision of Rs 250 crore in the next three years, have been recommended by the group.

Business Line, New Delhi, Sept. 15, 2004, Page No. 5

Suzuki to set up diesel engine factory in India
Suzuki Motor Corp will build in India a 10 billion yen (Rs 425 crore) diesel engine factory and a second car assembly plant to boast its presence in the country’s fast-growing car market. Suzuki already has a large market in India through majority-owned Maruti Udyog Ltd. The Japanese top mini-vehicle maker said that the engine plant would have an annual capacity of one lakh units, with output to start in late 2006.

Business Line, New Delhi, Sept. 14, 2004, Page No. 1

Sweden rejects tax on gas-heavy cars
The Swedish government rejected attempts to place a new tax on heavy, gas-guzzling cars. The minority Social Democratic government has been under pressure from its partners, the Green and Left parties, to introduce a registration tax on new cars related to their CO2 emission and weight.

Financial Times, London, Sept. 11, 2004, Page No. 2

Car on LPG goes up in flames
A car allegedly being run on a domestic LPG cylinder, instead of govt approved LPG kit, went up in flames near the ITO intersection. Using domestic LPG as fuel in vehicles is illegal, and needless to say, dangerous. Meanwhile, the use of domestic LPG cylinders has been a major menace with private vans transporting school children. Co-ordinator of the ‘Right to Clean Campaign’ of the Centre for Science and Environment Anumita Roay Chowdhury said LPG was more dangerous as it was a heavier fuel than CNG.

The Times of India, New Delhi, Sept. 11, 2004, Page No. 4

Govt to boost cultivation of jatropha
The Karnataka State Government is taking steps to promote cultivation of jatropha and honge, used in the production of eco-friendly bio-fuels, among farmers in the wasteland areas of the State, Agriculture Minister K M Srinivasa Gowda said in Bangalore. Speaking to reporters, he said the bio-fuel derived from the seeds of these plants can be blended to an extent of 20 per cent in diesel and trial tests have already been done in KSRTC buses. Mr Gowda said a farmer would require about 2,500 seedling per acre which would cost him Rs 6 to 7 per seedling. He said the State would seek subsidy from the Centre for the seedlings bought by the farmer. A farmer could earn annually about Rs 50,000 per acre, he added.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, Sept. 10, 2004, Page No. 5

Ford says gasoline prices hurting big SUV sales
High U.S. gasoline prices are hurting the sales of one of Ford Motor Co.`s (F.N: Quote, Profile, Research) highly profitable sport utility vehicles, the automaker said this week. Sales of the Ford Expedition, a full-sized SUV that gets about 16 miles per gallon, fell 23 percent in August and are down nearly 13 percent year-to-date despite heavy consumer incentives. Ford offers $4,000 cash back on the SUV, which received a major make-over two years ago. "Expedition, of course, is down," said Ford Division President Steve Lyons. "By and large I think that is a by-product of fuel prices."

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, Sept. 10, 2004

Diesel engines on vegetarian diet
Diesel engines, unlike their petrol counterparts, are omnivorous in fuel consumption habits and can easily run on vegetable oils without any major changes in the engine. In the early 1950s, the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, did exhaustive work using oils from seeds of different plants and trees grown in the tropical regions. Using raw oils in diesel engines led to such problems as the sticking of fuel injectors and piston rings due to coking, and the thickening of lubricating oils, resulting in clogging of filters, but these were overcome in a large measure by pre-conditioning of the fuel by a chemical process using methanol or ethanol called "transesterification". This transformed oil, with diesel-like properties, is called bio-diesel. Jatropha oil is a biodiesel derived from the seeds of the plant jatropha — a sturdy plant requiring very little water.

Business Line, New Delhi, Sept. 10, 2004, Page No. 11

Skoda to launch diesel version of Elegance soon
Car manufacturer Skoda Auto India is gearing up to launch a diesel automatic version of the Skoda Elegance in the next few weeks and will follow this up with a spate of launches till 2009. Other than a Mercedes, no other car offers this option in diesel and this could mean that we get to tap a new segment of the potential luxury car buyer. Meanwhile, the company is expecting the newly launched Skoda RS, to fuel growth with its distinctive positioning as the family rallying car.

Business Line, New Delhi, Sept. 10, 2004, Page No. 2

Peugeot unveils fuel-saving stop & start system
France`s biggest carmaker, PSA Peugeot-Citroen, unveiled a new system this week to reduce emissions and save fuel by allowing drivers to cut their engines when they are not moving. The Stop & Start system switches a car`s engine to stand-by when it stops at a red light or is stuck in traffic and then immediately re-starts it when the driver wants to move off. The system, which will be available in the Citroen C3 car from November, will cut fuel consumption by around 10 percent for driving in urban areas and could save as much as 15 percent in very heavy traffic.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, Sept. 09, 2004

Gasoline-Electric hybrid vehicles create stir
How much do some people want a gasoline-electric hybrid car? Enough to pay thousands of dollars more than the manufacturer`s suggested price. On Internet auction site eBay Inc., sellers are advertising Toyota Motor Corp.`s 2004 model year Prius at thousands of dollars above the list price. Prius, which according to government tests gets up to 60 miles from a single gallon of gasoline, is a popular hybrid that the industry sees as a bellwether for that segment of the market.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, Sept. 09, 2004

Fuel supply, justice put on hold in W Bengal
Justice was delayed for a day in Bengal and flow of fuel remained plugged indefinitely even as lawyers and tankers withdrew from their respective services, one to express solidarity with their lathi-charged ilk elsewhere in Lucknow and the other seeking early remedial against the oil companies` decision to withdraw 15-year-old vehicles from roads. Keeping in view legal consequences of offending an Apex Court order, the State Bar Council asked members to stage protest demonstrations only, WBBC sources said. This, while the State Bar Association urged the lawyers against attending court. The impact of the near-strike was almost full throughout the State with the Kolkata High Court reporting only "around 10 per cent presence" sources said. Around 25,000 practicing lawyers of the state`s 426 courts went on a day`s cease work on Wednesday expressing solidarity with the protesting lawyers in Lucknow who were lathi-charged by the Lucknow police.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, Sept. 09, 2004, Page No. 8

IOC gives government a bio-breather
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has made a detailed recommendation to the government to the government on pricing and use of biodiesel, after successful test-runs to prove its suitability as an alternative fuel. IOC proposal comes at a time when soaring global crude prices have triggered off an inflationary trend in the economy. The cost of Jatropha fuel works out to Rs 17/L where as diesel is currently prices at Rs 26.50/L in Kolkata. While IOC has been conducting pilot projects using biodiesel developed at its own R&D division, this perhaps the first time that the cost economies of its use has been worked out.

The Economic Times, New Delhi, Sept. 08, 2004, Page No. 8

Gasoline-Electric Hybrid Vehicles in high demand
How much do some people want a gasoline-electric hybrid car? Enough to pay thousands of dollars more than the manufacturer`s suggested price. On Internet auction site eBay Inc., sellers are advertising Toyota Motor Corp.`s 2004 model year Prius at thousands of dollars above the list price. Record-high U.S. fuel prices have prompted consumers to turn their attention to the growing array of vehicles designed to run on gasoline and electricity. Hybrids use batteries to power themselves at slower speeds. The batteries charge automatically from the electric motor and by capturing energy that is usually lost while braking.

Business Line, New Delhi, Sept. 08, 2004, Page No. 4

Now, electric buses for Delhi
After high-capacity buses, it is now the turn of electric trolley buses to hit the city’s roads. The Delhi government recently decided to introduce such a bus system on the Hari Nagar clock tower-Central Secretariat corridor. The transport department has been asked to prepare a proposal for financial sanction of the construction work from the finance department. The work will cost Rs 15-20 crore. The entire project cost is about Rs 80 crore.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, Sept. 06, 2004, Page No. 3

Smart cards for cars
From the coming week, the Transport Department will issue smart cards for vehicles registered in Anand Vihar zonal office. According to transport commissioner Rajiv Talwar by end of the week, registration in east Delhi will change. "We will start giving smart card having information about the vehicle and its owner." Anand Vihar will be the first zone in Delhi to introduce smart cards for car registration.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, Sept. 06, 2004, Page No. 5

Rover arm to source diesel engines
In a bid to cut costs, British car maker MG Rover’s engine division – Powertrain Ltd – is driving into India for producing and sourcing 2-litre common rail diesel (CRDi) engines. The engines will be locally produced by Punjab –based International Cars and Motors (ICM). A subsidiary of International Tractos, ICM is investing Rs 200 crore this fiscal for establishing a manufacturing facility n Una, Himachal Pradesh.

The Times of India, New Delhi, Sept. 06, 2004, Page No. 18

UP goes green, 11 CNG units to come up in Noida
In a significant step, it has been announced that two compressed natural gas (CNG) outlets will begin operating in Noida, about the end of this year, as part of a larger and phased plan to bring CNG to Noida, Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr and Meerut. It has been planned to bring a total of 11 CNG outlets to Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad each. In the next step, CNG will be supplied in Meerut and liquefied natural gas (LNG) will be supplied to Khurja potters. A road-map and schedule for this will be presented by Indraprastha Gas Limited, at a follow-up meeting on September 27.

The Times of India, New Delhi, Sept. 03, 2004, Page No. 7

Ordinance on ad valorem vehicle tax likely
The Delhi government’s budget proposal on imposing the ad valorem method of taxing new vehicles is expected to come through by next month, but the eight per cent tax on vital surgical equipment is not likely to be imposed. And, luxury taxes on declared room tariffs — tax is now being levied on actual tariffs — is expected to be in place by mid-September. ‘‘The government is preparing an ordinance on the ad valorem method of taxation, so that it can be implemented before the winter session of the Assembly,’’ a Delhi government source said. The Transport Minister had introduced the Bill on ad valorem taxation on the last day of the budget session of the Assembly and it was slated to be passed in November.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 3supp, Sept. 03, 2004

Ashok Leyland to roll out BS III vehicles from Jan
Ashok Leyland Ltd has drawn up plans to roll out the entire range of Bharat Stage (BS) III compliant vehicles from January 2005 to meet the Union Government`s pollution control norms to come into force on April 1, 2005. Speaking to newspersons on Wednesday, Mr K.N. Krishnamurthy, Special Director, Customer Care, said that the BS III compliant vehicles would be launched across segments and be available in various options of diesel-powered vehicles and CNG-based ones for both passenger and goods vehicles. However, these would be initially available for 11 major cities that are required to be BS II compliant.

Business Line, New Delhi, Sept. 03, 2004, Page No. 3

CNG : Noida, Ghaziabad to emulate Delhi
At least two important NCR townships - Ghaziabad and Noida -will soon have Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations. The Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL), which supplies CNG in the National Capital, has agreed to supply 0.2 million Quebec CNG in two phases for the proposed gas stations. In the first phase eleven CNG pumps would start functioning in Noida before December 2004. And, in the second phase, eleven CNG pumps would be operated in Ghaziabad. Vinod Malhotra, the Principal Secretary of Environment, UP Government announced this while addressing the Environment Department officials of the districts falling under National Capital Region (NCR). A proposal to establish eleven pumps in Noida and Greater Noida had been sent to IGL and the company had agreed to that, he added.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, Sept. 02, 2004, Page No. 4

Clearing the air around the city
The National Capital Region is stepping on the gas to make the area a cleaner place. Following the example set by Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad will also set up compressed natural gas stations soon fed by Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL). Twenty-two CNG stations have been planned, including six in Noida, two in Greater Noida, 11 in Ghaziabad and 3 in surrounding areas in the district. IGL has assured that at least two stations will become operational by December 31. Transport Authorities in NCR will conduct a study for switching over to CNG in a time-bound manner.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, Sept. 01, 2004, Page No. 7

Electric vehicles charge up for futuristic mode of transport
Bangalore-based Reva Electric Car Company Ltd (RECC), a part of Maini Group, is all set to launch an electric 14-seater mini bus under the brand name Reva. The company’s two seater electrical citi car Reva has already been on the roads for sometime now. Maini Group chairman Sudarshan Maini said to FE, "With stringent emission norms, the electric vehicle is definitely poised to be the major mode of transportation in our country in the future. Electric vehicles is one area where India is at par with the rest of the world."

The Financial Express, New Delhi, Sept. 01, 2004, Page No. 4

Fresh registration of three-wheeler goods carriers to be stopped
In a bid to further clean up the air in Delhi, the state government has decided to stop fresh registrations of all three-wheeler goods carriers, including those running on CNG, from September this year. In addition, operators have been directed to convert all existing petrol and diesel three-wheeler goods autorickshaws to CNG by March-end, 2005. The vehicles that are now powered by the clean fuel, government sources said will not be allowed to ply on Delhi roads.

The Times of India, New Delhi, August 31, 2004, Page No. 4

Vehicular pollution: GPS for exact data
If you see a scooterist with an antenna stuck on his helmet on Delhi’s roads over the next three
months, blame it on Dr James Lents, Richard Nikkila and Nicole Davis. Over the past four days, these researchers from the University of California trained 22 engineers on how to measure vehicular emissions using the latest technology. ‘‘We have brought five tiffin-box size boxes with us which will be put on various vehicles which form a representative sample of the city’s wheeled population. Once turned on, these boxes remain in constant communication with a constellation of around two dozen GPS (global positioning system) satellites around the earth which then relay back to them their exact location,’’ explains Dr Lents, recipient of this year’s US government award for outstanding individual achievement in the field of air quality management and the chief architect of the new system.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 1supp, August 31, 2004

Now, VRS for trucks over 15-yrs old
They might be off the roads for now. But the next time you see a smoke-spewing, overburdened truck, hold back those venomous comments. The vehicle might just be on its way to taking an early, lifelong break from work courtesy a voluntary retirement scheme for trucks. In response to the Mumbai High Court-imposed ban on 15-year-old trucks entering the city, two apex all India transporters’ bodies have proposed a VRS for trucks that are more than a decade-and-a-half old. The All India Confederation of Goods Vehicles Owners’ Association (AICGVOA) and the All India Motor Transport Congress are looking to form a non-profit company to handle the VRS.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, August 31, 2004, Page No. 9

Soaring crude prices seen stimulating biofuel use
Sustained high crude oil prices will lead to greater use of more expensive biofuels, but consumers will need yet more incentives for demand to really take off, producers and analysts said. Biodiesel from vegetable oils and ethanol made from sugar or grain have the best prospects in economies most reliant on imports of crude oil, which hit record prices last week. The United States, Japan and China are the world`s biggest crude oil importers. Biofuel producers, like leader Brazil, are turning abundant biological feedstock into green fuels, but they remain some 50 percent more expensive than petrol.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, August 31, 2004

Death knell for Jakarta’s rickshaws oils wheels of political controversy
For three decades Jakarta’s residents have been both serviced and aggravated by smoke –belching motorised rickshaws with two-stroke engines that add a distinct rattle to the city’s din. The three wheeled Bajaj pronounced ‘Ba – JAI in the sprawling Indonesian capital ‘Ba-JAI’ in their native India – have survived repeated efforts to get rid of them. They have been blamed for everything from contributing to the city’s air pollution to adding to the chaos on its roads. ‘Only God knows where a Bajaj is going to turn’ says Rustam Effendy, Jakarta’s transport director.

Financial Times, London, August 30, 2004, Page No. 2

15-yr-old limit for vehicles in Gurgaon
Vehicles more than 15-years-old will no longer be registered in Gurgaon. This follows a Haryana government decision to ban registration of vehicles older than 15 years in the NCR towns of Gurgaon, Faridabad, Bahadurgarh and Kundli. In a recent notification, the Haryana Transport Department has fixed the age of operation for various types of transport vehicles plying under different kinds of permits. Under this notification, the age of buses plying as educational institutional vehicles, buses plying as private service vehicles, three-wheelers and auto-rickshaws and goods-carriages (except those plying on national permits) has been fixed at 15 years.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 3(s), August 30, 2004

Euro-4 norms for Faridabad
The Haryana government has come up with an action plan to improve the quality of air in the city of Faridabad. The action plan envisages implementing the Bharat-III and Euro-IV norms in the city to check rising air pollution, caused by traffic and industries. At present, the air pollution in the town hovers around 500 SPM, which is much beyond the permissible level.

The Hindu, New Delhi, August 30, 2004, Page No. 7 & www.hinduonnet.com

Sick sugar units urged to use sorghum to make ethanol
The Andhra Pradesh Government would take a proactive role in the revival of sick sugar units by encouraging them to use sweet sorghum for production of ethanol, according to the State Minister for Agriculture, Mr N. Raghuveera Reddy.

Business Line, New Delhi, August 30, 2004, Page No. 7

Ethanol-blended fuel in short supply
The ethanol-blended fuel programme in the southern States has hit a roadblock with sugar industries finding it more lucrative to supply ethanol for industrial and potable alcohol, according to sources.

Business Line, New Delhi, August 30, 2004, Page No. 1

Hassle free vehicle registration soon
The Goa State government has initiated the process of empowering vehicle manufacturers and dealers as vehicle registering authorities for private vehicles. The proposal, which was announced in the Budget of 2004 by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is now being brought into effect and a notification has been issued publishing the draft rules.

Herald, Panjim, August 25, 2004, Page No. 1

Easy (green) rider: Honda extends hybrids
Honda Motor, the world’s biggest motorcycle maker, said that it has built scooters powered by fuel cells and gasoline – electric engines, extending the technology for the first time to two-wheeled vehicles. The automaker developed a scooter with a fuel cell power plant the size of a normal 125 cubic centimeter gasoline engine, as well as so-called hybrid two-wheeler with a 50cc engine, Honda’s president, Takeo Fukui, said at the company’s research center in Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, B1, August 25, 2004

Ford move dents green image
Ford’s dented environmental image took a further blow when greenpeace besieged the US carmaker’s
Norwegian headquarters demanding it abandon plans to scrap hundreds of electric cars. Activists occupied the roof of the offices outside Oslo after Ford refused to sell the second –hand 'Think' electric vehicles in favour of dumping them.

Financial Times, London, August 25, 2004, Page No. 15

Honda develops fuel cell scooters
Honda Motor Co. Ltd. the world`s biggest motorcycle maker, said it has developed the world`s first working scooter powered by a fuel cells and gasoline-electric engines, extending the technology for the first time to two-wheeled vehicles. The automaker developed a scooter with a fuel cell-power plant the size of a normal 125cc gasoline engine as well as a so-called hybrid two-wheeler with a 50cc engine, the Honda President, Mr Takeo Fukul, said. Record-high gasoline prices and tightening air-pollution laws prompted Honda and bigger rival Toyota Motor Corp to begin selling hybrid cars taht have lower emissions.

Business Line, New Delhi, August 25, 2004, Page No. 4

Easy on the oil, step on the gas
Americans merely display their disregard for the niceties of the English language when they talk of tanking up with ‘gas’ instead of ‘petrol’. But soon, Indians may be doing the same. Not thanks to MacDonaldisation, but because Indian Oil Corporation has kickstarted talks with domestic vehicle makers to develop hydrogen engines for scooters, three-wheelers, cars and buses. Willing partners in this effort at innovation are Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj Auto and Maruti. Global corporations like Honda, Daimler Chrysler, Ford, General Motors and Toyota are already making hybrid cars, which run on fuel cells with on-board storage of hydrogen. Their performance is almost at par with petrol cars.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, August 25, 2004, Page No.1

Kidwai launches bio-diesel mission
The Haryana Governor, Dr A.R. Kidwai, inaugurated the bio-diesel mission by planting a sapling of Jatropha curcas at the Centre for Research and Application in Plant Tissue Culture, Haryana Agriculture University, here on Thursday. Jatropha curcas is a plant which can yield oil in the form of bio-diesel and has been found suitable for its various favourable attributes.

The Tribune, New Delhi, August 23, 2004, Page No. 14

Transport ministry drafts vehicle emission testing policy
A Vehicle Emission Testing (VET) policy Sri Lanka aimed at reducing vehicle emissions which is a major cause of air pollution in urban areas has been drafted by the Transport Ministry. The policy prepared in collaboration with the Environment and Natural Resources Ministry is yet to receive Cabinet approval, Transport Ministry Secretary Dr. D. S. Jayaweera said.

Daily News (Internet), Sri Lanka, August 23, 2004

US firm to produce CNG in State
Buoyed by success in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, C&L Engineering Inc, has drawn up a plan to explore the hydrocarbon sector in Assam. The US firm headed by an Assamese engineer, Dr Sashi Kumar Mozumdar will set up a hydrocarbon based plant in Duliajan with an investment of Rs 40 crore. The new plant –Asom Toral Prakritic Gas Company (Private ) Limited will produce Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in two phases by using latest US technology in collaboration with Assam Gas Company Limited. Talking to this reporter here today, Sri Prasanna Kumar Mozumdar, managing director of the new plant informed that the phase-I will have a capacity of producing 1600 kg of CNG per day while the phase –II would produce 40,000 kg of LNG. "If everything goes smoothly we will be able to start construction work by next month for the first phase", he said.

The Assam Tribune, Guwahati, August 22, 2004, Page No. 1

3 wheeler ban: HC notice to transport dept
The Delhi High Court has issued notice to the Delhi government’s Transport department following a petition by a threewheeler goods carrier owner against a government’s order of August 5,banning registration of threewheeler goods carriers from September 1. Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul issued the notice. The order, issued by Jt. CP Transport PR Meena, refuses registration to such goods vehicles running on any fuel — petrol, CNG, diesel, LPG. The petitioner alleged that the department was not empowered to take such action and it was infringing on his right to eke out a living. Refuting the Transport department’s allegations that these vehicles move extremely slow and are a major source of congestion; the petitioner said that their vehicles move at 55 km per hour while the maximum speed limit is only 40 km per hour.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, August 22, 2004, 4supp

‘Biofuel is need of the hour’
The centre for Bharatiya Marketing Development (CBMD), a unit of Swadesh Jagran Foundation, organised a one-day seminar on ‘Bio Diesel as Biofuel’ in association with ASSOCHAM in Lucknow. Addressing the seminar, Minister for Land Reforms Om Prakash Singh asked scientists and entrepreneurs to go to rural areas to create awareness about biofuel.

The Pioneer, Lucknow, August 21, 2004, 2supp

Tata assures Dikshit that diesel won`t pollute city
Chief minister Shiela Dikshit in an informal meeting with business baron Ratan Tata on Tuesday is said to have agreed for a "relook"on a rollback after he assured her that the diesel vehicles in question would strictly meet the prescribed pollution norms.Mr Tata whose company happens to be one of the leading manufacturers of diesel cars like Indica assured Ms Dikshit of convening a consortium of the diesel car manufactureers and ensure that the standards of pollution were as prescribed by the government, said sources.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, August 19, 2004, Page No. 9

Delhi bans 3-wheel goods vehicles
The Delhi government has issued an order to stop the registration of new three wheel goods carriers within city limits.This order, aimed at decongesting the city, will come into effect from September 1 this year.

Business Standard, New Delhi, August 19, 2004, Page No. 2

Maintaining air quality
With its pristine environment still intact, Bhutan has good air quality but rapid urbanisation, industrialisation and growth in vehicle numbers could destroy its according to a visiting environment specialist. ‘The government has taken steps towards monitoring air pollution by providing better quality fuel, using hydropower, conducting emission tests, and banning import of reconditioned vehicles’, said environment specialist Derek Langgons who conducted a five day training on air quality management in Thimphu from August 9.

Kuensel, Bhutan, August 14, 2004, Page No.6

NE Railway for jatropha plants
The North-Eastern Railway will grow 4.5 lakh jatropha Curca plants this year along railway tracks and other land under its control for bio-diesel. The NE Railway General Manager, Mr J P Batra, said that bio-diesel extracted from the plant had been successfully tested in rail engines.

Business Line, New Delhi, August 14, 2004, Page No. 17

City to have 50 more CNG stations by March
Fifty more Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations are likely to be in place in Mumbai city and suburbs by the end of March 2005, say officials from Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL), which distributes the gas in Mumbai. Three CNG stations will be set up this month itself.

The Times of India, Mumbai, August 13, 2004, Page No. 5

Icrisat to promote sweet sorghum for production of ethanol
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is strengthening its collaboration with partners to promote sweet sorghum varieties, hybrids and technologies to extract alcohol from the crop. According to Dr William Dar, Director General of ICRISAT, the sweet sorghum varieties, hybrids and technologies developed by the institute hold high promise for the farmers of the semi-arid tropics as they can grow with less water. In addition to the grain, he said, the crop could be used to produce ethanol in a more environment-friendly manner compared to sugarcane. The ethanol could be used to blend with petrol and diesel for producing gasohol.

Business Line, New Delhi, August 13, 2004, Page No. 12

PWD cries foul over CNG stations
Years after Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) constructed over 100 CNG stations in the Capital, the Public Works Department has raised objections and alleged they were encroaching upon the roads. Most of the stations had come up before the end of 2003. The PWD`s contention is that the CNG stations are preventing the department from constructing service roads. The PWD had even threatened to demolish the `offending` structures at the CNG stations in Patparganj and Okhla, including the IGL signboard and the tiles for vehicles to climb on to the station.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, August 13, 2004, Page No. 3

A dream of a hydrogen economy
Under the bonnet of the HydroGen3 minivan, a General Motors’ creation, 200 fuel cells inhale hydrogen molecules, strip off their electrons and feed current to the electric engine. The only emissions: a little extra heat and humidity. The result is a smooth, eerily quiet ride – although one that, with H3s priced at $1m each, remains out of reach of most drivers. Hydrogen-powered vehicles may be rarities on the street, but in the world’s capitals they and their technological kin are very much on people’s mind. Switching from fossil fuels to hydrogen could dramatically reduce urban air pollution, lower dependence on oil and reduce the build-up of greenhouse gases that threaten to trigger severe climate change.

Financial Times, London, August 13, 2004, Page No. 8

IISc to aid greening of wastelands
The Karnataka State Land Use Board (SLUB) has chalked out a strategy to make use of wastelands to grow biofuel plantations with support from Sutra, the mechanical crew of the Indian Institute of Science. The strategy was drawn during a day-long workshop on ‘Greening of Wastelands through Biofuel Plantations’ held by the Board. The workshop attracted 400 farmers from across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andra Pradesh. Since its inception eight years ago, the Board has been focussing on producing vegetative non-edible oil, or biofuel, which can be used as an immediate substitute for diesel, for the benefit of the farmers.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, 4supp, August 12, 2004

Mohan Breweries, D1 Oils plan joint venture for bio-diesel
D1 Oils Plc of Britain and the Chennai-based Mohan Breweries and Distilleries Ltd are planning a joint venture to produce bio-diesel, an automobile fuel from plants. According to a press release from the British Deputy High Commission, which is assisting the negotiations, the joint venture, D1 Bioenergy Services Ltd, will help farmers cultivate jatropha, whose seeds are a rich source of oil. D1 Oils will provide the management expertise, refining technology and R&D backup. D1 Bioenergy will supply the farmers with the planting material, assist in cultivation, procure the seeds from the farmers and process them to produce the bio-diesel. The oilseed cake can also be used as fertiliser, animal feed or as a raw material to produce glycerine.

Business Line, New Delhi, August 12, 2004, Page No. 2

California issues final greenhouse gas plan for cars
California released its final plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks by about 30 percent by requiring hundreds of dollars in technology to control air pollution in new cars. The plan is the first of its kind among U.S. states. It has been closely tracked by car makers as California accounts for nearly 13 percent of the U.S. auto market and because other states may adopt similar rules. Auto makers have said they may sue to block the plan.

New York Times (Internet), New York, August 12, 2004

Govt turns heat on manufacturers
Plying on CNG cuts down your fuel cost to half as compared to petrol. Yet, the CNG movement hasn`t really caught on when it comes to private cars. Reason being, the various hurdles faced by car owners if they want to go in for conversion. Now the Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) has turned the heat on car manufacturers, stressing on their plans to introduce CNG dedicated cars. "Countries like Pakistan and Argentina have predominant numbers of cars running on CNG. Now, even China is going in for a major CNG programme," said Anumita Roy Chowdhury, co-ordinator of Right to Clean Air campaign with the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).

The Times of India, New Delhi, August 11, 2004, Page No. 4

Nandan Agro in pact with D1 Oils to enter bio-diesel industry
The Hyderabad-based Nandan Agro Farms Pvt. Ltd. has entered into a strategic alliance with UK-based D1 Oils for entering the bio-diesel industry. The joint effort of D1 Oils and Nandan Agro is to develop large scale nurseries, producing high yield bio-diesel Plants, processing, value added products from de-oiled cake like Nutraceuticals and bio-fertilisers. The company is all set to take up Jatropha cultivation in a big way.

Business Line, New Delhi, August 11, 2004, Page No. 3

Ordinance likely on vehicle registration tax
With the introduction of an ad-valorem tax on registration of vehicles delayed because the Bill
could not be passed in the Assembly’s budget session, the Delhi government is considering bringing in an oridnance for the same. This will help the government introduce the tax proposal for non-transport vehicles with immediate effect. Transport Department officials say that it will take a minimum of six months for the Bill to become an Act and by that time the current financial year will be about to close.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, August 11, 2004, Page No. 5

Ply only CNG buses in NCR Haryana told
The Delhi government on Tuesday asked the Haryana government to run CNG buses from Faridabad and Gurgaon to Delhi.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, August 11, 2004, Page No. 15

Only CNG buses to Delhi, govt tells Haryana
The Delhi government has asked Haryana to ensure that only CNG buses enter Delhi. The government’s appeal is in accordance with the Supreme Court order that inter-city buses between Delhi and NCR towns should operate on CNG. Transport Minister Haroon Yusuf said: ‘‘We have asked them to send CNG-run buses to the destinations in Delhi, apart from the ISBTs.’’ Haroon met the Haryana Transport Minister Ashok Kumar today and discussed transport-related issues between the two states.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 3supp, August 11, 2004

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, August 10, 2004

Ford`s hybrid escape SUV meets new EPA standards
The Environmental Protection Agency said it has certified Ford Motor Co.`s 2005 Escape as the first gasoline-electric hybrid SUV for sale in the United States that meets the agency`s stringent new emissions standards. Ford`s compact hybrid Escape sport utility vehicle goes into commercial production this week. Unlike conventional gasoline cars, the hybrid vehicle also includes an electric motor that at times takes over as the power source.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, August 10, 2004

Electric tricycle
Sharath G L, a sixth semester student of Sri Jayachamarajendra (Govt) Polytechnic, Bangalore has designed what he calls the electric tricycle. The zero pollution, whisper quiet, electric tricycle runs at a speed of 50 kmph and has a range of 20 Km. The absence of clutch and gearshift, makes it ideal for ‘Stop and Start’ city driving. Being compact, the tricycle is easy to manoeuvre and park. The tricycle can be charged by plugging into a 220 Volt, 15 Ampere socket at home or at the work place. The tricycle is supposed to consume 2-3 units of electricity for full-charge.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, 4supp, August 09, 2004

Kerry offers 10-year plan for us energy independence
With crude oil prices at a record high, Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry last week offered a 10-year, $30 billion proposal to move the nation toward energy independence. Under the measure, aides said, American companies and consumers would receive financial aid to develop and buy more fuel-efficient motor vehicles. In addition, it would set twin goals to have, by the year 2020, an even 20 percent of the nation`s motor fuel and electricity come from alternative sources such as solar, wind, ethanol and biodiesel fuel.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, August 9, 2004

PWD digs up approach to CNG stations, IGL protests
Public Works Department (PWD) bulldozers have demolished approach in two Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) CNG filling stations in East and South Delhi. IGL managing director A K De has written to Urban Development Minister Dr A K Walia saying IGL was being "targetted" by the PWD.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 1supp, August 9, 2004

Austrian bio-diesel unit to be set up near Kakinanda
An Austrian firm in association with Naturol Bioenergy Limited will set up integrated biodiesel plant near Kankinanda.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, August 07, 2004, Page No. 4

Vehicle fitness tests to get tougher
In an effort to broaden the parameters for testing vehicles - especially for pollution emissions – and make the inspection system more transparent, the Regional Transport Office – (RTO) is planning to upgrade and mechanise its inspection systems. The Rs 12-crore upgradation is part of the environmental component of the World Bank-funded Mumbai Urban Transport Project, and would be the first of its kind in the country. The Maharashtra State Government has already given the green signal to the programme and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), which is implementing the mass transport project, is in the process of commissioning a preliminary feasibility and design study.

The Times of India, Mumbai, August 07, 2004, Page No. 3

Delhi wants Haryana to run CNG buses
Delhi Government will ask the Haryana Government to run CNG buses from Faridabad and Gurgaon to Delhi. Transport Minister Haroon Yusuf said the government wants Haryana to introduce CNG buses in the National Capital Region towns like Noida. Transport Department officials will meet their Haryana counterparts on August 10 to sort out the outstanding inter-state transport issues. Delhi Transport Corporation has already reduced its bus service to Gurgaon after some of its buses were impounded by the Haryana Government.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, August 07, 2004, Page No. 5

Catching up to costs of global warming
John A. Casesa, an analyst at Merrill Lynch, organized a teleconference to address a troubling question for Detroit`s automakers: As regulators around the world move to curb global-warming emissions from cars and improve fuel efficiency, what happens if Wall Street adds up the costs? The most likely answer will not make General Motors and Ford Motor very happy. Mr. Casesa`s call included a presentation by the World Resources Institute, an environmental policy group in Washington, which recently issued a report on the subject with Sustainable Asset Management, an investment group based in Zurich. The report forecasts that G.M. and Ford stand to lose the most, financially, of any automakers in complying with regulations that the groups expect the United States, Europe and Japan to adopt over the next decade - rules in addition to the pollution controls put in place over the last half-century.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, August 07, 2004, Page No. 7

EU biofuels target will not be met on time
Member states are unlikely to meet an EU target to increase the share of biofuels used in road transport to 2% by the legal deadline of December 2005, a new survey says. According to the Eurobserver biofuels barometer, published by a consortium of renewable energy promotion agencies, current trends indicate the target "should be respected" but will be subject to "a bit of delay." The goal, plus a further target of 5.75% by 2010, was fixed in a 2003 directive. The study says "a lot of work remains to be done" by governments to transpose the legislation into national law.

Edie (Internet), UK, August 06, 2004

Ford unveils world`s first hybrid SUV
The Ford Motor Co. kicked off formal production of a hybrid version of its Escape SUV, the world`s first gas-electric hybrid sports utility vehicle and the first hybrid vehicle produced by an American automaker. Bill Ford, Ford`s chairman and chief executive, drove the Escape into a roomful of autoworkers at the company`s plant in suburban Kansas City, which will build 20,000 of the vehicles in the 2005 model year. Ford said providing a cleaner-burning, more fuel-efficient vehicle would keep the company competitive as more consumers consider gas prices and pollution when buying a car.

Environmental News Network(Internet), US, August 06, 2004

Movement down under to drive cleaner cars
The Australian government is urging consumers to give up their love affair with hefty four-wheel drive vehicles and opt instead for more environmentally friendly models. At the launch of a Web site designed to inform consumers about the environmental impact of new cars, Transport Minister John Anderson told potential buyers to consider the environment when choosing a vehicle. People need to think carefully about what type of car they need," he said. Many Australians depend on four-wheel drive vehicles for transport in remote Outback areas with few or no roads. But in recent years, an increasing number of people are also driving the gas-guzzling vehicles in town.

Environmental News Network(Internet), US, July 6, 2004

Toyota postpones its hybrid SUV until next year
Toyota Motor Corp. is delaying the launch of a luxury hybrid sport-utility vehicle until February or March to allow engineers more time to evaluate the vehicle and build up inventory to deal with expected strong demand.

The Asian Wall Street Journal, Hong Kong, M8, August 05, 2004

Ford`s hybrid SUV not enough - US environmentalists
Ford Motor Co.`s introduction of a gas-electric hybrid sport utility vehicle is a good start, but will have little immediate impact on its dismal fuel economy record, U.S. environmental groups said. The fuel-sipping version of Ford`s compact Escape SUV goes into commercial production this week and environmental activists hailed it as a step in the right direction. But they said Ford - which has a U.S. car and truck fleet with the lowest average fuel economy among the top six automakers - would have to go much further to win recognition as a company truly committed to the environment.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, August 05, 2004

Fiat launches Petra Diesel at Rs 5.72 lakh
Fiat India launched a diesel variant of its mid-size car Petra, powered by an electronically controlled 1.9 litre indirect injection naturally aspirated engine at an ex-showroom price of Rs 5.72 lakh for the basic model and Rs 6.08 lakh for the higher-end version.

The Economic Times, New Delhi, August 05, 2004, Page No. 11

Govt plans to privatise vehicle fitness certificate
The Advisor to Chief Minister for Environment, (Pakistan), Noman Saigol, has issued instructions to EPA Sindh to make a proposal for privatisation of issuance of vehicle fitness certificate so that a fool proof mechanism could be put into practice for safety and clean environment. He was talking to officers of Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Sindh at a meeting, also attended by Director-General, EPA Sindh, Shafique Khoso and Director Iqbal Nafees Khan, Senior Scientific Officer S.M. Yahya and Assistant Director Mujtaba Baig.

The Nation (Internet), Pakistan, August 04, 2004

Pact clears the way for UP to Delhi buses
The Delhi government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Uttar Pradesh regarding inter-state buses. The lack of an agreement had been a major hurdle to commuters from UP regions, with buses being stopped by road transport authorities as both sides traded charges of ‘illegal travelling’. ‘‘This will now come to an end,’’ Transport Minister Haroon Yusuf said today while making a statement in the Assembly. The minister said as per the agreement, all bus services between Delhi and Noida, Greater Noida and upto six points in the Ghaziabad municipal area will be considered as ‘‘city services’’ and will operate only on CNG. The routes and the number of services will be decided between the two states.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 3supp, August 04, 2004

AP decides to encourage ethanol plants
The Andhra Pradesh Government has decided to promote establishment of 10 to 12 units of ethanol production plants that would use the sweet sorghum varieties developed by the International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (Icrisat). The Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, who visited Icrisat, said that there was lot of scope for production of ethanol from the sweet sorghum varieties developed by the institute. Hence, a decision was taken to encourage entrepreneurs to set up ethanol production plants in the State.

Business Line, New Delhi, August 04, 2004, Page No. 19

Gujarat Oleo Chem bags Rs 25-cr biodiesel order from IOC
In what could be a path-breaking private sector initiative in promoting biofuels, Gujarat Oleo Chem Ltd (GOCL), which has bagged an order for supply of biodiesel worth Rs 25 crore to Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), delivered its first consignment to the latter. The significance of the development lays in the fact that for the first time in the country, a private company has successfully exploited the vegetable oil route to produce biodiesel for supply to a Government parastatal. GOCL is using castor oil as feedstock for production of biodiesel. Crude castor oil is refined and biodiesel is produced through the process of esterification and transesterification. Vegetable oil is a renewable source of energy; its production is sustainable and its use in automobile fuels is eco-friendly.

Business Line, New Delhi, August 04, 2004, Page No. 3

Diesel whiz says he can clean up coal
Cars running on coal? It could happen in this country — some day. John Rich Jr., whose family has worked the anthracite coal seams of eastern Pennsylvania for a century, plans to turn a $100 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy into the nation`s first commercial plant converting waste coal, or culm, into low-emissions diesel fuel. Updating a technology first developed by German scientists in the 1920s, the $612 million plant would produce 5,000 barrels of diesel a day, eliminate hundreds of unsightly culm banks, and provide jobs in a region that sorely needs them. If it succeeds, plants could spring up in West Virginia, Illinois, and Kentucky.

Environmental News Network(Internet), US, August 03, 2004

Oilseeds likely to benefit from boom in bio-diesel
As world interest in eco-friendly renewable sources of fuel expands rapidly, more oilseed production or vegetable oil consumption is going towards bio-diesel. This trend has implications for world vegetable oil production and prices in the coming years. Emulating the world`s largest bio-diesel producers and consumers — European Union and Brazil, several developing countries have ventured into bio-diesel production using indigenous plant material. While world production of oilseeds and palm oil is forecast to expand in 2004-05 to 379 million tonnes (mt) and 29.8 mt respectively, consumption too is forecast to grow.

Business Line, New Delhi, August 03, 2004, Page No. 12

Pollution-free solar vans for Shimla soon
Solar-powered mini-vans will soon ply on the roads of Shimla. “I have instructed the Himachal Pradesh State Transport Corporation to carry out a feasibility study on the restricted roads,” said State transport minister G S Bali. The 10-seat solar driven vans will run on these routes, he said.

The Economic Times, New Delhi, August 02, 2004, Page No. 9

Gujarat firm first in `green fuel`, commercialises bio-diesel
A new chapter to the country`s alternative energy resources was added on Saturday after an Ankleshwar-based firm released the first commercial consignment of bio-diesel to Indian Oil Company. With this, the firm, Gujarat Oelo Chem Limited will be the first Indian company to commercialise the production of bio-diesel from vegetable based feedstock.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, August 01, 2004, Page No. 4

New mixture of CNG fuel to be developed
The Research and Development Centre of the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) here has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the private sector to develop a hydrogen-CNG mixture system for the IC engines to be used in portable gensets, buses and three-wheeler autorickshaws.

The Tribune, New Delhi, July 30, 2004, Page No. 4

Experts criticise govt`s decision
Environmentalists have criticised the government`s decision to defer the 8 per cent hike in sales tax of diesel, saying this will have a far-reaching health and environmental impact. The finance minister in his budget speech had announced the intent of increasing the sales tax from 12 to 20 per cent, a move much criticised by the Opposition. Following the announcement, vehicle manufacturers, petrol pump owners and traders met the minister and said the hike would result in loss of revenue.

The Times of India, New Delhi, July 30, 2004, Page No. 3

Environmental groups protest hike rollback
The environment groups are flared up with the Delhi government`s decision to roll back the proposed hike in sales tax and environment cess on diesel. "It is unfortunate that the government had to bend down to the pressure from the automobile industry. It is doubly unfortunate, as diesel is increasingly used for private cars", said the director of CSE, Ms Sunita Narain. "I hope that the government will reconsider their move," she added.

The Statesman, New Delhi, July 30, 2004, Page No. 4

CSE favours diesel cess in Delhi
The Delhi government`s decision to impose an environment cess on diesel passenger cars and multi-
utility vehicles has found favour with the Centre for Science and Environment.

The Economic Times, New Delhi, July 30, 2004, Page No. 6

Vehicular air pollution
Action has been initiated against 51,506 vehicle owners for causing vehicular air pollution in Bangalore for the last three years, Water Resources and Transport Minister Mallikarjun Kharge told the Council on Wednesday.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, July 29, 2004, Page No. 4

Central aid sought for bio-oil
The Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Om Prakash Chautala, urged the Central Government to provide adequate financial assistance to the farmers engaged in the cultivation of Jatropha and smooth leaved popularly known as karanja being used to produce bio-oil to run diesel engines and tractors.

Business Line, New Delhi, July 27, 2004, Page No. 19

GM and Ford to feel the heat of global warming costs
One does not often hear financial analysts talk about climate change, but this month John Casesa, an analyst at Merril Lynch, organized a teleconference to address a troubling question for Detroit’s automakers : As regulator around the world move to curb emissions of heat trapping gases from cars and improve fuel efficiency, what will happen if Wall Street adds up the costs? The most likely answer will not make General Motors and Ford Motor very happy. Casesa’s call included a present an environmental policy group in Washington that recently issued a report on the subject with Sustainable Asset Management, an investment group based in Zurich.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, July 27, 2004, Page No. 11

BJP demands rollback on diesel tax
The BJP in the Delhi Legislative Assembly demanded rollback of eight per cent hike in the sales tax on diesel, announced in Budget 2004-05 on Monday.It said the hike was inflationary, directionless, anti-peopl and would increase the price of every commodity.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, July 27, 2004, Page No. 3

Petro Pumps will remain shut tomorrow
All petrol pumps in the national capital will observe a shutdown on Wednesday in protest against the sales tax hike on diesel imposed by the Delhi government said dealers.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, July 27, 2004, Page No. 13

Faridabad to be off limits to 15-yr-old vehicles
No public or commercial vehicle that is 15 years or more old will be able to ply on the roads here from August 1. This was announced by the district administration following a meeting in Faridabad recently.

The Tribune, New Delhi, July 27, 2004, Page No. 4

Demand to ban school buses using LPG
The Shiv Sena has asked the Government of NCT of Delhi to stop the plying of school buses that are fitted with LPG cylinder without obtaining the requisite sanction of the Department of Transport.The party claimed that several such school buses were plying in the city. It was also claimed that LPG kits being used were not approved by the competent authority.

The Tribune, New Delhi, July 26, 2004, Page No. 3

Pollution up with rise in vehicles`s number
With vehicle numbers rising, the Capital is facing added pollution risk. The average concentration of nitrogen dioxide has risen steeply in the city`s atmosphere over the past few years.

The Statesman, New Delhi, July 26, 2004, Page No. 3

Fuelling change
Urban India`s fuel of choice has just become more expensive in Delhi. In the city`s new budget, sales-tax on diesel has been raised from 12 per cent to 20 per cent - translating into an increase of rs 1.5 per litre from its pre-budget Rs 22.74. As for those big cars guzzling up fuel - diesel and gasoline - on Delhi`s cramped roads, their cost to owners has alo gone up. They will no pay higher road tax ....Editorial

The Indian Express, New Delhi, July 26, 2004, Page No. 8

Petrol pumps` strike on Wednesday over hike in diesel sales tax
All petrol pumps across Delhi will go on a strike on Wednesday to protest against the hike in diesel sales tax - from 12 per cent to 20 per cent - by the Delhi Government in its Budget. The strike will be held in 400 pumps amd if the hike isn`t rolled back, the Delhi Petrol Dealer Association plans to stop the sale of diesel in the city.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 1sp, July 26, 2004

After Delhi, UP to go in for CNG
After Delhi, it`s time for Uttar Pradesh to shift to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Four cities, Lucknow, Kanpur, Bareilly including Agra, will shift to the CNG-fuelled public transport system in the first phase. Being close to Delhi and constantly in the world`s eyes due to the pollution threat to the Taj Mahal. Agra will be among the first to shift to the environment-friendly fuel.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, July 26, 2004, Page No. 8

Delhi may roll back enty tax on diesel cars
The Delhi government is planning to review its proposals to levy 2 percent entry tax on diesel vehicles, even as it is expected to realise more than the budgeted revenue of 40 crore from the ad valorem road tax on private non-commercial vehicles.The governmnet is also examining the possibility of imposing an additional entry tax on diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi to discourage the entry of these vehicles here.

Business Standard, New Delhi, July 24, 2004, Page No. 2

Old vehicles and pollution potential
In most of the cases, if the engine in brand new condition pollutes, it will pollute more when it becomes old. But today’s high technology engines, which are said to be pollution-free will also become old after ‘some time and begin to emit pollutants. From the pollution prospect, the oldness of the engines has a little different connotation than their age signify. An engine will remain in brand new condition even after 5-10 years if it was never put into operation.

The Kathmandu Post(Internet), Kathmandu, July 23, 2004, Page No. 5

Diesel to cost more Rs 1.50 more, CNG spared
For those owning diesel vehicles, this makes for bad news. With the Delhi government increasing sales tax by 8% diesel will cost more by 1.5. The good news : CNG has been spared, hence bus, auto and taxi fares will not be affected. The price hike will be implemented by month-end, when the budget is notified on July 29.

The Times of India, New Delhi, July 23, 2004, Page No. 3

Oil PSU move for cleaner fuel
The govenment owned oil companies will invest about Rs. 17,800 crore by 2010 to produce cleaner auto fuel compliant with Euro III emission norms.

The Statesman, New Delhi, July 23, 2004, Page No. 11

Automobile makers flay levy on diesel cars
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufactures (SIAM) today flayed the Delhi Government`s proposal for an additional levy of 2 percent on private non-transport diesel vehicles as "discriminatory and not based on science".

The Hindu, New Delhi, July 23, 2004, Page No. 3 & www.hinduonnet.com

Tax hike for diesel cars
In the first such step to discourage buying or selling of polluting vehicles, the Delhi government has decided to impose two per cent extra road tax on diesel vehicles registered in the Capital. The premise for the new tax is that vehicles that run on diesel pollute more. The tax will be proposed in the forth-coming budget, to be presented on July 22.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, July 21, 2004, Page No. 3

Private vehicles behind increasing congestion
With over 400 vehicles being added to Delhi`s roads every day and the road area more or less stagnant, the situation is getting more and more dismal. The transport department and traffic police can no very little to alleviate the situation. Though the total number of vehicles registered every day has fallen over the past five years, what concerns the authorities is the increasing number of of private vehicles.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, July 21, 2004, Page No. 2

Petrol, diesel to cost more in UP
Petrol and diesel would soon be dearer by 30 paisa and 21 paisa per litre respectively as the State Government has hiked the Trade Tax on the two petroleum products from 20 to 21 percent. This would fetch an additional revenue of Rs 94 crore per year.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, July 21, 2004, Page No. 2

Karnataka Budget hikes tax on diesel
A modest surplus of Rs 72.8 crore notwithstanding, the Karnataka Budget fro 2004-05 carries some shocks for the industry. The highlights of the proposals in the Budget presented by the Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister, Mr Siddaramaiah, included an increase in sales tax on diesel from 17.5 per cent to 20 per cent, withdrawal of four per cent tax on diesel and other fuel stocks used for captive power, higher motor vehicles tax; tax on vehicles with a value up to Rs 10 lakh has been increased by one percentage point to 10 per cent, while those above Rs 10 lakh will be face a levy of 12 per cent, an increase of two percentage points.

Business Line, New Delhi, July 20, 2004, Page No. 1

Diesel driven vehicles to be removed from city streets
Communication ministry decided to off-limits the streets of Dhaka (Bangladesh) for diesel-driven buses and micro-buses in phases to ensure reduce the air pollution and ease traffic congestion. The ministry also decided to introduce CNG-run buses and mini-buses. A committee was also formed with the secretary of the ministry as its head to conduct a survey to this effect.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, July 18, 2004, Page No. 16

Deadline extended for emission limits in diesel generators
The Ministry of Environment and Forests has extended the noise and emission limit compliance data for certain sections of diesel-based generator suppliers provided they have met three conditions laid down by the Ministry. The suppliers of "genset diesel engines, with capacity of up to 19 KW, will now be required to implement the emission limits by July 1, 2005," said the Ministry.Those suppliers of genset diesel engines, with capacities between 176 KW and 800 KW, will have to comply with the emission limits by November 1, 2004.

Business Line, New Delhi, July 17, 2004, Page No. 5

Jaya seeks Centre`s help for bio-fuel programme
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has urged the Centre to announce a package of concessions to promote the bio-fuel programme sought to be implemented by the State government.

The New Indian Express, Chennai, July 16, 2004, Page No. 3

Double congestion charge for `Chelsea tanks`
London Mayor Ken Livingstone has proposed that four-wheel drive vehicles pay twice as much in congestion charges in a bid to crack down on Londoners using `Chelsea tanks` for school runs and shopping. Drivers of gas-guzzling four-by-fours should pay £10 because their vehicles create much higher levels of air pollution and are more likely to injure or kill pedestrians, according to Mr Livingstone. He said: "They are not a sensible car for use in a dense and congested city".

Edie (Internet), UK, July 16, 2004

Reducing traffic emissions key to cleaner London
Traffic emissions were identified as the main cause of air pollution at a conference held by Environmental and Sustainable Transport (EAST) to celebrate 50 years of air quality action this week. Deputy chairman of Barclays Bank, Sir Brian Jenkins, opened by discussing the infamous pea-souper smog of 1952, caused by black smoke from coal burning, which was eradicated after London became a smokeless zone in 1954. He then compared this to another smog, in 1991, which was caused by emissions from motor vehicles.

Edie (Internet), UK, July 16, 2004

Plan for new parking spaces aims to reduce pollution from idling big rigs
Hoping to reduce air pollution from idling diesel trucks, three Southern states will offer truck stop spaces where truckers can shut off their engines but still get electricity, air conditioning, and even Internet access. The 150 spaces along Interstate 85 in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia will be equipped with large hoses that truckers can connect to rig windows and get warm or cool air, Internet access, and electricity, state officials announced.

Environmental News Network(Internet), US, July 16, 2004

DTC gears up for study on CNG
Faced with the daily problem of maintenance of its over 2000 strong bus fleet, the DTC preparing for the future. The corporation, which runs the largest fleet of CNG buses in the world, now wants to study the effects of this new fuel on vehicle maintenance. ‘All our CNG buses are two years old. There is still a year to go for the warranty. But as in the case of diesel, there is not much know how available on maintenance of CNG vehicles.

The Times of India, New Delhi, July 16, 2004, Page No. 7

Excessive motorisation a threat to Delhi: CSE
There is an urgent need to restrict dieselisation of the personal car fleet with a fiscal policy that would take away the price advantage of diesel cars. Any further expansion in the diesel car fleet would nullify gains from the CNG programme as these will add to the NOx and particulate emissions load in the Capital, according to the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).

The Hindu, New Delhi, July 16, 2004, Page No. 4 & www.hinduonnet.com

Urea passes the tank test
Plans to use a compound usually associated with urine to cut diesel pollution face tough challenges. The search for cleaner heavy truck engines will soon see drivers asked to fill up with urea – the chemical compound present in urine – alongside their regular diesel fuel. The chemical is the European manufacturer’s answer to new rules – due to come into force in 2007 – that are designed to stop heavy trucks spewing out poisonous smog forming nitrogen oxides and soot linked to more than 200000 deaths a year.

Financial Times, London, July 14, 2004, Page No. 9

No respite for Capital from polluting trucks
The huge fleet of out-station trucks that criss-cross Delhi everyday will continue to take their toll on the city`s air and the road infrastructure as the Haryana Government is reluctant to push ahead with the bypass project for Delhi. Also, the laidback approach of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) on working out details for the same has virtually frozen the progress on this project.

The Hindu, New Delhi, July 14, 2004, Pagew No. 4 & www.hinduonnet.com

New Japan car recycling law to fan competition
Japanese auto makers will face more competition to produce eco-friendly cars as a new law comes into effect next year requiring manufacturers to charge drivers for the recycling of their vehicles. Starting January 1, car owners will be asked to pay about 7,000 to 18,000 yen ($65 to $166) per disposed vehicle, according to the government`s latest estimates, to cover the recycling of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) - a harmful gas used in air conditioners - airbags and automobile shredder residue (ASR).

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, July 14, 2004

Soybean farmers hope to pump up interest in biodiesel
Soybean farmers are pumped that a gas station here is selling biodiesel fuel, even though the idea of building a biodiesel plant in North Dakota appears to be stalled. The farmers have been promoting biodiesel fuel because soybean oil can be used in the mix. North Dakota produces about 3.5 million acres of soybeans. A blend of biodiesel called B20 is being sold this summer at the Stamart station store, at a busy intersection off Interstate 29. It`s the first time the blend of 20 percent biodiesel fuel and 80 percent petroleum has been offered at the pump in North Dakota.

Environmental News Network(Internet), US, July 09, 2004

Bio-diesel: Kanuga to be cultivated on large scale
Gearing itself to take up large-scale cultivation of Pongamia, popularly known as Kanuga whose oil is extracted and used as bio diesel, the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department in raising three crore Pongamia seedlings in its 2,000-odd nurseries in the state. They will be distribute among the Vana Samrakshana Samithis for plantation especially in the rain shadow areas across the State.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, July 08, 2004, Page No. 4

Environmental News Network(Internet), US, July 06, 2004

2nd CNG station opens in city
The second compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling station of Chittagong City (Bangladesh) Corporation (CCC) went into operation. Mayor of CCC Alhaj ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury formally inaugurated the second unit of CNG filling station by switching on the plant at Dampara in the city.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, July 05, 2004, Page No. 9

Guidelines for old vehicles
The Haryana Government has banned registration of vehicles which are more than 15 years old in Delhi metropolitan area towns of Faridabad, Gurgaon, Bahadurgarh and Kundli. Announcing this, a state transport authority spokesman said the government had also banned plying of three-wheelers, private service vehicles and educational vehicles more than 15 years old. Similarly, stage carriage buses more than seven years old will not be allowed to ply.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, July 05, 2004, Page No. 7

Water fuelled car around the corner?
The world’s first mass produced water-fuelled car could be just round the corner, parked in your driveway or careening down the fast lane, so long as its inventors remain anonymous and beyond the long arm of the powerful oil mafia for another 18 months. The startling claim by an environmental group in London comes with a price tag – Euro 1 million by public donation to found the technology, after which it could be handed over patent free to car manufacturers like Tata India or Ford.

The Times of India, New Delhi, July 04, 2004, Page No. 1

Doubts aired over Euro II
The combination of stricter tailpipe emission norms, to be introduced from October 1, and mandatory Euro II for new vehicles is not going to help the lungs of Kolkata. That’s what Sunita Narain, director of Centre for Science and Environment and one of the spearheads of Delhi’s air clean-up drive, has told environment minister Manab Mukherjee. “We are aware that Euro II won’t be a permanent solution, but at least it’s a step in the right direction,” says Mukherjee. On tailpipe emission norms, he agrees that a fuel shift must be the aim. Narain, in town for a British Council workshop for environmental journalists, says: “The major vehicular pollution-related problems of Calcutta are respirable particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. These cannot be monitored with the new emission standards.”

The Telegraph, Calcutta, July 03, 2004, Page No. 19

Large-scale cultivation of jatropha crop planned
The Tamil Nadu government proposes to launch a scheme to promote large-scale cultivation of jatropha and sweet sorghum crops and has invited corporates to set up downstream units for processing these crops for the manufacture of bio-fuel and ethanol. Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa said she would have an interactive session with the stake-holders - farmers, industrial houses and entrepreneurs in August. The programme was aimed at transforming the rural economy, to provide employment opportunities to agriculture labour and the rural poor, Jayalalithaa said in a statement.

The New Indian Express, Chennai, July 03, 2004, Page No. 4

Ban on buses in city leaves commuters stranded
A long line of private luxury buses, perplexed commuters standing alongside the road with loads of luggage, some fighting with auto-rickshaw drivers over fares and some looking for lost children – that was the scene on the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway in Ahmedabad. It was the second day of the ban imposed by the Ahmedabad Police on the entry of the ban imposed by the Ahmedabad poice on the entry of buses and heavy vehicles within the city limits.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, July 03, 2004, Page No. 3

French road tax rattles ‘gas guzzlers’
The French government was ironing out the kinks in a radical green road tax that will sharply push up the cost of purchasing four by four vehicles, people carriers and high performance sports cars. Drivers of outsize sports utility vehicles and others and other ‘gas guzzlers’ will have to pay a tax of up to Euro 3200 on new models from next January.

Financial Times, New Delhi, July 03, 2004, Page No. 4

Toyota may build gas-electric cars at second factory
Toyota Motor Corp plans to add production of Prius gasoline-electric cars at a second factory in Japan to meet higher-than-planned demand, said its US sales chief, Mr Jim Press.

Business Line, New Delhi, July 03, 2004, Page No. 4

Reva Car to roll in mini-bus, taxi
After creating a niche for itself by making the country`s only electric car, Reva Electric car company is all set to raise about Rs 70 crore through private equity infusion to fuel its expansion into other segments like mini-buses and small taxis as well as carry out work on fuel cell technology. "We hope to raise this amount in the next one year and are in advanced stage of talks with domestic and overseas financial investors, including International Finance Corporation," RECC managing director Chetan Maini told PTI. The company, which has bagged an export order for 500 electric cars from Britain`s going green PLC, is eyeing sales of 50,000 vehicles per annum in the next five years.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, July 03, 2004, Page No. 10

In Europe, SUVs face higher taxes
Hulking sport-utility vehicles have come under fire in the U.S. for safety and fuel-efficiency issues. Now they are taking some heat in Europe – and politicians are listening. France, Europe’s fourth-biggest car market last year, is preparing to slap a tax of as mush as Euro 3200 or $3900 on cars that emit gases believed to contribute to global warming, a move that has stirred official calls for similar levies in Britain, Europe’s second-largest car market.

The Asian Wall Street Journal, Hong Kong, M7, July 01, 2004

Diesel engine coaxed to run on LPG blend
Four mechanical engineering students of Sri Jagadguru Chandrasekharanatha Swamiji Institute of Technology in in Bangalore have successfully run a diesel engine on a diesel-LPG mixture. As part of their project work, the team comprising Rohit Anand, Ravi Shankar S, Rohan R.G and Sachin S.K took up work on a single cylinder four-stroke diesel engine employing an LPG-diesel blend. The students were guided in their journey by lecturer P. Rukhmangadha. Evaluating the performance of the engine using LPG and diesel mixture in a 60:40 ratio for more than an hour, they realised that savings from the modified fuel be as high as 50 per cent.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, 3supp, June 29, 2004

Looking for cash, city govt eyes luxury cars
The lap of four-wheeled luxury is about to turn significantly less comfortable. Delhi government cleared a proposal to charge road tax on the basis of a car’s price tag. So instead of paying the usual weight-linked Rs. 4000-6000, cars prices above Rs 4 lakh will now attract 4% of cost as road tax while those priced below Rs 4 lakh will pay at 2%. This means an owner of a Maruti 800 will pay about Rs 4000 as road tax, but a person buying a Rs 35- lakh Mercedes Benz SL 600 will have to shell out Rs 1.4 lakh.

The Times of India, New Delhi, June 29, 2004, Page No. 1

Light goods vehicles may switch to CNG
After the positive results on the environment front following the switchover of public transport vehicles to the eco-friendly CNG, the Delhi Government is now contemplating making it compulsory for light goods vehicles in the Capital to switch over to CNG as well from next year. The move is likely to coincide with the proposed switchover to Euro III norms from April 2005. The Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) set up by the Supreme Court for the National Capital Region (NCR) has made a recommendation in this connection to the Delhi Government.

The Hindu, New Delhi, June 29, 2004, Page No. 4 & www.hinduonnet.com

Next big air-quality battleground: sulfur in gasoline
With toxic lead finally disappearing from most of the world’s gasoline, a new air pollution fight is emerging around the globe over how much sulfur to allow in fuel. Rapidly developing countries like China, India, Thailand, Mexico and Brazil, where ownership and use of cars and trucks are soaring, are on the front lines. High levels of sulfur contamination occur naturally in some crude oil, especailly from the Middle East and Russia.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, June 29, 2004, Page No. 15

Hyundai to enter hybrid car segment
Hyundai Motor Co, South Korea’s largest automaker, said it is considering investing about 1 trillion won to develop and make as many as 10,000 petrol-electric cars a year by 2010. The automaker may start making the so-called hybrid versions of a new passenger sedan to replace its Verna model by the end of 2005, Hyundai Motor said. That will be the first hybrid car produced in South Korea.

Business Line, New Delhi, June 29, 2004, Page No. 4

Apathy robs city of oxygen, literally
Clean air, a right of every citizen, is fast becoming a privileged commodity in a city reeling under pollution. And, an attempt to provide a breath of fresh air to the gasping populace has hit a roadblock, with three oxygen kiosks set up at three busy traffic junctions in Ahmedabad about a year and a half ago closing down within about a month of their inauguration. Pollution levels have gone up manifold and there is a serious need to restart the kiosks installed earlier. Both the donor companies and the police need to work out a scheme together to get them working for the sake of the people.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, June 27, 2004, Page No. 3

Transport Dept drive against old vehicles slackens
With the Transport Department’s drive against old and road-unworthy vehicles losing steam, many of the old, polluting vehicles are sneaking back into the city roads. To check rising vehicle pollution, the State Government has restricted entry of 15 years and above old vehicles from entering the city. Initially, the Transport Department officials had come down heavily on offenders by booking cases against them. The Department had even formed special squads, which kept watch on old vehicles on the outer ring roads and did not allow them to enter the city. Eventually, the drive lost the speed.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, 3supp, June 26, 2004

CSE wants ST hike on diesel in Delhi
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a Delhi-based NGO, has demanded that diesel and diesel-based vehicles in Delhi be made more expensive to discourage the fuel`s use "in the interest of public health". The NGO has sought an increase in sales tax on diesel and imposition of emission tax on diesel cars. It has also called for enforcement of Euro IV standards for all vehicles from 2005. CSE has said that though Delhi has the country`s highest per capita income, it still has the lowest diesel prices.

Business Line, New Delhi, June 26, 2004, Page No. 19

Old wheels rule the roads while BCC sits dumb
The Bangalore City Corporation (BCC) is under attack where its garbage lorry ran amok, killing two persons. Despite such incidents, the civic body has not taken serious note of a government order phasing out old vehicles and has also not made efforts to check use of such vehicles by its contractors. Almost a year after the State government decided to ban vehicles more than 15 years old from entering the city, the BCC is yet to phase out such vehicles from its fleet. However, bowing to transporters’ pressure, the government later modified its ban order.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, 1supp, June 25, 2004

Illegal tempos go ‘unnoticed’ in Kanpur
The decision to identify illegally plying tempos in Kanpur was perhaps an eyewash. Like all earlier prestigious plans, this plan also was given much media-hype and finally thrown into the dustbin and now the tempos, illegal or legal, can audaciously run in any manner or on any route, which they deem fit. The district authorities came up with a quixotic idea of placing Red Plate (RTO) on every legally plying tempos, holding a pollution-free certificate, and the rest were to be impounded. When it came to the implementation part the district authorities said: ‘As there is no provision of allotment of permits through lottery, thus the plan now stands postponed.’

The Pioneer, Lucknow, 3supp, June 24, 2004

China`s Geely to step up car exports, eyes US
China`s Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd. said it plans to step up car exports this year after testing overseas markets in late 2003, with an eye to selling 30 percent of its output abroad by 2010. Auto makers in China plan billions of dollars worth of new capacity over the next few years, prompting fears of a glut and leading some to look to exports as a growth outlet, analysts have said. Just a tiny fraction of China`s car output is now exported.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, June 24, 2004

Ban on heavy vehicles from entering city
Come July and Amdavadis, especially those living in the fringe areas, would breathe easy. At least during the daytime. The city police commissioner, K R Kaushik, has imposed a ban on entry of heavy vehicles like trucks and trailers in the city limits. A communique issued by Kaushik said that the move under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 is aimed at reducing air pollution within the city and also to smoothen the traffic flow.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, June 23, 2004, Page No. 4

Vehicle sales expected to keep rising
As the key economic factors work in favour of car buyers, motor vehicle sales are expected to keep rising, economists said. Car sales rose by 2.1 per cent in seasonally adjusted terms in May, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said. Over the year to May a record 934,970 cars were sold. Commsec chief equities economist Craig James said, with all the key factors working in favour of car buyers at present, the record-breaking run for new car sales is unlikely to end soon.

The Age (Internet), Australia, June 22, 2004

LPG boon for Bangalore two-wheelers
Two-wheeler owners may no longer need to worry about the ever increasing petrol prices. Like autorickshaw and car owners, they too can convert their vehicles to the eco-friendly Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). A city-based automobile dealer, SLV Enterprises, has come out with a compact LPG kit for two-wheelers. The manufacturer claims the ‘Citiy Kit’ is cheaper, economical and safer. The system was successfully tested on motorbikes and scooters.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, 1supp, June 21, 2004

{PRIVATE}Electric rickshaw on the way!
The autorickshaw that switched from petrol to CNG may go The autorickshaw that switched from petrol to CNG may go electric! Such news snippets have appeared frequently, giving a temporary cheer to environmentalists and a shock to the powerful automobile industry wedded to petrol. However, this time the talk of an electric rickshaw seems serious as a small innovative American company has joined hands with India’s Bajaj. If the anti-petrol three-wheeler starts plying, it will be the most significant product coming out of the Indo-US business partnership. The Washington Post has flashed a photo of a production model of the electric rickshaw. The Post writer wonders whether the unimposing Bajaj-New Generation Motors vehicle holds the secret to powering American automobile for years to come. The innovators should pray for the petrol prices doubling! Having played havoc with its polluting two-stroke scooter engine for years, Bajaj has given up its old ways in the face of a tough competition.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, June 20, 2004, Page No. 1

Alternative Movement
The joint bio-diesel project of DaimlerChrysler, the CSIR and the Hohenheim University, readies for testing on trucks and other big vehicles.

The Economic Times, New Delhi, June 20, 2004, Page No. 10

On LPG, the ride`s smooth yet bumpy
The West Bengal transport department has passwed an order about a year ago, making the switch mandatory for all autos to get registration. Now, the West Bengal Pollution Control Board figures reveal that around 230 autos - mostly now, some old - are plying the roads fuelled by LPG.

The Telegraph, Calcutta, June 19, 2004, Page No. 17

First bio-diesel plant to be set up in Andhra
India`s first bio-diesel plant will be set up in Andhra Pradesh as a joint venture of Indian, Austrian and American companies. The Rs 135 crore project, to be set up at the port city of Kakinada in East Godavari district, will get feed stock of Jetropha and Mongamia seeds from the plantation to be grown in seven districts of Andhra Pradesh. This was announced by Anand Prakash, managing director, Asia of FE Clean Energy Group Inc. in Hyderabad after discussing the plans with the Chief Minister YS Rajashekhar Reddy. Officials from the other two companies, Naturol Bio-Energy India and Energea Gmbh, Austria were also present at the meeting.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, June 19, 2004, Page No. 9

Mitsubishi officially announces 10 more vehicle recalls
Mitsubishi Motors Corp. officially announced 10 recalls as part of its June 2 revelation of 26 defects it had failed to issue recalls for in the past. MMC said it will recall about 51,000 vehicles. A total of 10 models, including the Pajero, the Legnum, the Delica Space Gear, the Minica and the Minica Toppo, are subject to the recalls. The production years vary by model, spanning between August 1993 and May 1997.

Japan Times (Internet), Japan, June 19, 2004

Clearing the air with hybrid buses
The soot spewing from the exhaust pipes of diesel buses doesn`t just look dirty, it is dirty, accounting for 20 percent of U.S. air pollution, says the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Some forward-thinking transit agencies are fighting back with hybrid diesel-electric buses. For example, New York City Transit (NYCT) took the lead and purchased 10 prototype hybrid buses in 1998, helping clear the air in a metropolis with very poor air quality. A Department of Energy (DOE) study reports that hybrid buses, combining a diesel engine with an electric motor, outperform regular diesel buses in a variety of categories, offering 10 percent higher fuel economy, 19 percent lower carbon dioxide emissions, and a 97 percent reduction in carbon monoxide emissions.

Environmental News Network(Internet), US, June 18, 2004

AK Steel completes bond issue for emission control
AK Steel Holding Co. (AKS.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said it completed a $62 million bond offering it will use to finance emission control equipment necessary to bring its Middletown Works plant into compliance with new federal standards. The Middletown, Ohio-based steelmaker said the industrial revenue bond offering was issued through the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority. AK also applied for a $5 million loan from the Ohio Department of Development to help in funding the project. The company said it expects the project to cost about $67 million. It plans to install emission control equipment on its blast furnace at Middletown by May 2005, and on its basic oxygen furnaces by May 2006.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, June 18, 2004

Mayor pledges to make London a low emission zone
Newly re-elected Mayor, Ken Livingstone, plans to introduce a raft of environmental proposals for London during his second term, including a low emissions zone, extension of the congestion zone and greater use of renewable energy. Plans to make London a low emissions zone will mean replacing current buses and vehicles with low pollution models. In his first press conference since being re-elected after beating rival Steve Norris by an 11% margin, Mr Livingstone said he had already instructed Transport for London to draw up plans for a low emissions zone covering the whole of the Greater London area, and wanted to see it in place by 2007.

Edie (Internet), UK, June 18, 2004

Passenger tax on the cards for non-Delhi commercial vehicles
Private vehicles with non-Delhi numbers may have got some respite when it comes to registration in Delhi, but the transport department is all set to crack he whip on commerical vehicles with non-Delhi numbers plying in the city. The department has written to Delhi government proposing the introduction of passenger tax on commercial vehicles like buses, taxis and maxi-cabs with non-Delhi numbers.

The Times of India, New Delhi, June 18, 2004, Page No. 8

First bio-diesel plant to come up near Kakinada
India`s first bio-diesel plant is coming up near Kakinada, thanks to the thrust given to bio-diesel crops by the new Government to benefit farmers in "rain-shadow areas" where no other crop grows. The plant is being set up at an outlay of Rs. 135 crores by Naturol BioEnergy India in collaboration with Energea GmbH of Austria and Fe Clean Energy Group Inc, US, on a 50-acre land in the Vakalapundi industrial area being given through the APIIDC. The plant will have an initial capacity of 300 tonnes per day and for this, the crop will be taken up on 1.2 lakh acres in different districts.

The Hindu, New Delhi, June 18, 2004, Page No. 8 & www.hinduonnet.com

Hybrid cars reach a crossroads
Demand is growing for petrol-electric vehicles – as a first step towards better fuel efficiency. Hybrids are becoming an increasingly talked about alternative to conventionally powered vehicles because they use less fuel. Extra efficiency comes from ‘regenerative braking’, technology that recharged the battery when the brakes are applied, on top of the recharging that occurs when the vehicle is in motion.

Financial Times, London, June 17, 2004, Page No. 13

Pollution-free dream that might be just hot air
When General Motors, hydrogen-powered car arrived in Cabo da Roca, mainland Europe’s westernmost point, it ended a 6000 mile journey that has set a new distance record for what the US carmaker hopes will soon be a standard technology. The technology holds out the promise of pollution-free motoring and so far GM alone has spent $1bn on researching it.

Financial Times, London, June 17, 2004, Page No. 13

Delhi effect : NCR gets bitten by the green bug
Noida, Greater Noida, Gurgaon and Faridabad are still all set to go green, the Delhi way. While these 4 towns will be get the green – compressed natural gas (CNG) – stations in the first phase, Ghaziabad and Bahadurgarh will be covered in the second phase. ‘The feasibility report for the NCR has come and we have decided to go ahead with the plan. We are interacting with various state governments and have received a favorable response’, said IGL managing director A K De IGL has already ordered a detailed pipeline survey.

The Times of India, New Delhi, June 17, 2004, Page No. 7

California board proposes 30 pct cut in auto emissions
The California Air Resources Board this week issued a draft plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light trucks by 30 percent. The air board`s plan, which had been expected, would phase in reductions of gases linked to global warming in two steps for cars and trucks sold in California from 2009 through 2014. The board set year-by-year levels for emission cuts for a passenger car/light-duty truck class and a second light-duty truck category.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, June 16, 2004

Chrysler in "big bad" expansion of truck lineup
The Chrysler arm of DaimlerChrysler (DCX.N: Quote, Profile, Research) (DCXGn.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) raised the ante in Detroit`s horsepower wars by unveiling two new variants of its powerful Dodge Ram pickup truck. The muscular trucks were rolled out at a ceremony at Chrysler`s proving grounds in Chelsea, Michigan, where Chrysler Chief Executive Dieter Zetsche hailed them as part of "a big, bad and incredibly powerful expansion of the Dodge Ram model lineup."

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, June 16, 2004

‘Electric vehicles can replace diesel-run ones’
Electric vehicles (Evs) can replace new diesel-fueled microbuses in Kathmandu provided they get government support, according to a cost benefit analysis on the viability of ‘green’ vehicles in Kathmandu. Conducted by Dr Saurav Dev Bhatta, associate professor at Pulchowk Engineering Campus and Dilliraj Joshi for Kathmandu Electric Vehicle Alliance, the study reveals that the benefit that accrues to society from replacing diesel-fueled microbus by trolley bus and Safa tempo outweighs cost.

The Kathmandu Post, Kathmandu, June 15, 2004, Page No. 8

Govt’s LPG conversion drive hits roadblock
With autorickshaw owners refusing toe convert their three-wheelers to LPG fuel mode, the Karnataka Government’s efforts to check increasing levels of vehicular pollution in Bangalore City seem to have run into a wall. The Transport Department recently issued an order directing all autorickshaw owners in the city to change over to the eco-friendly fuel by the end of 2005. The order would come into effect in a phased manner and, depending on their make, vehicles will need to be converted by 2005 end.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, 4supp, June 15, 2004

Fumes choke lungs in Faridabad
Delhi and Faridabad may be part of the National Capital Region (NCR), but when it comes to pollution levels, they are worlds apart. While Delhi has been able to bring down pollution levels drastically with the introduction of CNG and banning thoroughfare to trucks, Faridabad has been marked as one of the nine highly-polluting towns in the country, according to the Central Pollution control board (CPCB).

The Times of India, New Delhi, June 15, 2004, Page No. 7

Ucal bags Iranian deal
Chennai-based Ucal Fuel Systems Ltd (UFSL) is all set to make a foray into the Iranian market, with the export of carburettors to Tehran. The deal was clinched through a Japanese trading agency, which would also act as the funding agent for the programme. The order is a result of the Iranian government’s efforts at controlling vehicular pollution, in the country. R Sundararaman, executive director, UFSL said that the government of Iran, wanted to replace old carburettors in the vehicles on road, with new, environment friendly carburettors. UFSL initially sent 50 carburettors, which were fitted in the vehicles and tested. The order was won as the tests proved successful.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, June 15, 2004, Page No. 4

Environmental groups lose case over off-road vehicles
The Supreme Court on Monday blocked a lawsuit that accused the federal government of doing too little to protect undeveloped Western land from off-road vehicles. The court, on a 9-0 vote, said environmental groups cannot use courts to force the federal Bureau of Land Management to more aggressively safeguard about 2 million acres of potential wilderness in Utah. Justices had been asked to clarify when a federal agency can be sued for failing to follow a congressional mandate — in this case, to preserve the pristine quality of lands being considered for wilderness designation.

Environmental News Network(Internet), US, June 15, 2004

Ford to charge more for hybrid
Ford Motor Company said it would charge about $3300 more for its new, petrol-electric Escape Hybrid sports utility vehicle than for the conventional version of the SUV as the carmaker prepared for the vehicle’s launch later this summer. The arrival of the Escape Hybrid, which will be the first Hybrid, vehicle manufactured in North America, comes as consumers continue to be willing to pay more for hybrids amid high petrol prices.

Financial Times, London, June 15, 2004, Page No. 22

Rajkot citizens live with burning eyes, affected lungs
With the regional transport office (RTO) registering a 45%growth in vehicles between 2003-04 and the police still grappling to curb the menace of auto-rickshaws which use kerosene as fuel, pollution levels have shot up in the city. The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) office has refused to divulge data about sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide levels in the air. Rising pollution levels are making diseases like allergy and asthma and throat infectins common.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, June 14, 2004, Page No. 5

Eco-friendly, economical diesel tech in focus
Stow more semiconductors into diesel pumps, the man from Mico advised at a colloquium on `Emerging trends in diesel technology` at the Institute of Engineers in Bangalore recently. During deliberations, the forum substantiated the future of diesel. Diesels, said Muralidharan, divisional manager (sales and technological support), Mico, had come to be recognised as vehicles creating hubbub, sturbborn to start, smoky and stern. The scenario would have remained sorry if `electronic diesel control` hadn`t shown up.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, 4supp, June 14, 2004

Use of ethanol can save foreign exchange
A non-governmental organisation to create awareness of the use of ethanol and biodiesel as alternative fuel was launched in Chennai today.

The Hindu, Chennai, June 14, 2004, Page No. 5 & www.hinduonnet.com

Pollution checking centres face the stick
Not satisfied with the maintenance, operation and calibration of instruments at various PCCs across Delhi, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has sent a letter to the Delhi State Transport Authority, asking them to take ‘necessary action’ at their end. The CPCB inspected 37 PCCS, all authorised by the directorate of transport, in January and found that proper norms were not being followed by them.

The Times of India, New Delhi, June 14, 2004, Page No. 4

Denso to expand Hungary car parts plant
Denso Corp will invest 95 million euros ($115 million) to expand production of common rail systems in Hungary, Japan`s top auto parts maker said last week, adding it would receive a state subsidy for the investment. The expansion of the plant in Szekesfehervar, where Denso also produces diesel injection pumps and engine-related components, will create 1,000 new jobs, it said. The expansion will bring annual production to 700,000 units by 2006 from 300,000 now. The common rail system, which uses electromechanics to control the amount of fuel injected into car engines and which can reduce exhaust emissions, will mainly be supplied to Toyota Motor Corp Denso said.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, June 14, 2004

Postal department to run on cleaner, greener fuels
Call it a search for greener pastures. The Department of Post, Mumbai has taken the initiative to deliver a cleaner, greener image and will use vehicles that work on CNG, the environment-friendly fuel, reports UNI. The postal department is planning to convert its entire mail delivery fleet to the pollution-free CNG RTVs. Towards this purpose, the postal department has placed orders for 47 CNG cargo vehicles for mail delivery with Hindustan Motor Ltd.

The Free Press Journal, Mumbai, June 12, 2004, Page No. 15

Deadline for introduction of CNG fixed
Lucknowites will soon have the option to get their fuel tanks filled with alternative fuels as Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority has fixed December 31, 2005, as the deadline to convert 1,500 tempo/taxi, 200 buses/minibuses and 40 auto-rickshaws running on Lucknow roads to be on CNG. “Do not waste time, time is precious. Emulate Delhi model and all your problems will be over,” stated Sunita Narain while narrating her experience of championing the cause of cleaner air for National Capital Region.

The Pioneer, Lucknow, 1supp, June 11, 2004

Euro IV likely by 2005-end
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board is drawing up a new vehiclura emission roadmap for Chennai city by `leapfrogging` into more stringent Euro IV emission norms for vehicles by the end of 2005, as against the existing Euro II. As per an earlier deadline, city vehicles were only expected to be Euro III-compliant by next year.

The New Indian Express, Chennai, 1sp, June 11, 2004

Paris to say No to SUVs
Oversized, gas-guzzling 4x4s could be banned from the increasingly traffic-clogged streets of Paris within the next 18 months following a resolution passed by the city`s council. "Off-road vehicles are just not suited to towns and you have to wonder why people drive them," Denis Baupin, a senior Green party councillor who tabled the resolution, said. "They`re polluters, they`re space-occupiers, they`re dangerous for pedestrians and other road users. They`re a caricature of a car."

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, June 11, 2004, Page No. 24

Car-makers want you to discard your old car
The auto industry is pressing the government for bringing a policy for scrapping in-use vehicles. About 70 million vehicles, both commercial and private, will be affected. The issue was raised during the recent CEOs’ interaction with the finance minister P Chidambaram. The FM is understood to have told the industry to come back with a concrete proposal, specifying the cut-off point for the vehicles.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, June 10, 2004, Page No. 1

EDB to ask car makers to ensure world standards, Jatoi takes serious notice of poor quality
Taking serious notice of frequent complaints regarding poor quality of locally assembled cars, Pakistan Minister for Industries and Production, Liaquat Ali Jatoi, has directed the Engineering Development Board (EDB) to ask the assemblers to improve the quality of cars, meeting the international standards. Jatoi directed the EDB to convene a meeting of the assemblers within a week and ask them to address the complaints of the customers, on permanent basis, and to follow the international quality standards.

Business Recorder (Internet), Pakistan, June 10, 2004

First phase of CNG supply in city by Nov: GAIL
Divisional Commissioner D C Lakha has directed the transport department officials to phase out vehicles that have outlived their lives. President over a high-level meeting, the commissioner said that a multi-purpose strategy should be implemented to make Lucknow pollution free. Lakha stated that Euro-II norms should be enforced in registration of vehicles.

The Pioneer, Lucknow, 2supp, June 10, 2004

Bio-fuel for trains: Madurai division grows jatropha plants
The Madurai division of the Southern Railways has embarked on a `minor` bio-diesel production project - in pursuit of a cheaper alternative for high-speed diesel - and is growing jatropha plants in Samayanalur and Virudhunagar.

The New Indian Express, Chennai, June 09, 2004, Page No. 5

Two more ISBTs in city to keep diesel fumes at bay
Buses from neighbouring states spewing diesel fumes won`t be able to pollute Capital`s atmosphere for much longer. Ultra-modern ISBTs will soon come up in different peripheral areas of the city to save city`s residents from toxic fumes. To ease the load of exosting inter-state bus terminuses the Delhi governement will soon commisssion the construction of two more ISBT`s -one in Dwarka sub-city, the other at Narela.

The Statesman, New Delhi, June 08, 2004, Page No. 2

TN village a hit with drivers for cheap bio-diesel
Sriparangusanalllur village in Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu has become a favourite stop for autorickshaw drivers and private bus owners. They are making a beeline to this village for its Rs 20 per litre bio-diesel produced from `pungan` seeds. The pioneer of this cheap and eco-friendly fuel, self-help group is TANWA `Pannai`. Eco-friendly fuel marketed by self-help grup is sold at Rs 20 for a litre, and can make an autorickshaw run for 72 km on just 3 litres.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, June 06, 2004, Page No. 4

MP`s first auto gas station opened
The LPG is now available for the vehicle drivers of the State. The first auto gas pump has been set up by the Indian Oil Corporation in the Sawantika Petrol Statioon at Security Lines, Bhopal.

Central Chronicle, Bhopal, 2sp, June 04, 2004

Eco-friendly CNG may tax users` patience
The environment friendly fuel will soon leave the environment activists fuming in the Capital. The City Government`s Sales Tax Department (STD) has recommended a whopping 20 per cent sales tax on the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The move aims at raising Rs 150 crore as tax per annum. "Since the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has been exempted from the sales tax, we are losing almost Rs 150 crore in terms of sales tax per financial year. It is time to levy the tax on CNG," a senior Sales Tax Department official said.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, June 04, 2004, Page No. 3

Soaring gas prices spur interest in hybrids
Hybrid vehicles made headlines in March after movie stars like Will Ferrell, Robin Williams and Tim Robbins used the Toyota Prius to get to the Academy Awards show. Their environmentally conscious fashion statement seems to have foreshadowed a trend. This spring, more and more Americans are looking to buy one of a growing array of fuel-saving vehicles designed to run on gasoline and electricity. "With gasoline prices reaching beyond $2 per gallon and the general concern over the U.S.`s dependence on foreign oil, hybrid vehicles are catching more consumers` attention," Prudential Equity Group analyst Michael Bruynesteyn said in a recent research note.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, June 04, 2004

European car makers motor through oil price hikes
European car makers can afford a wry smile as they watch the uproar that rising oil prices and $2-a-gallon petrol have triggered in the United States. Europeans` preference for smaller autos and their embrace of fuel-sipping diesel engines mean high oil prices are not such a big deal for car shoppers, especially when high taxes mask the impact of price changes at the pump. "Because gas is so expensive here anyway, Europeans tend to drive around in smaller cars. I really don`t think it`s a major issue," Stephen Cheetham, an auto analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein Ltd, said of surging crude oil prices.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, June 04, 2004

Traffic polluting Palampur’s environment
The local police and civil authorities are worried over the sharp increase in the noise pollution and gross violation of traffic rules in town. The town has the distinction of having highest number of vehicles in the district . The health authorities say that there is manifold increase in the cases of asthma and TB here because of increasing pollution.

The Tribune, New Delhi, June 04, 2004, Page No. 6

‘Autocrats’ step on the gas over government’s CNG order
Autorickchaw drivers in Bangalore city are up in arms against the State Government Order (GO) setting a deadline for converting three-wheeler engines to run on Liquefied Petroleum Gas. To check air pollution caused by over 70,000 autorickshaws in the city, the Government had recently issued an order directing that all such vehicles be made LPG-compatible by December 2005. However, as per the order, the process has to start by September and, depending on the make, some vehicles need to modify within the stipulated time.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, 3supp, June 03, 2004

Ashok Leyland CNG buses to drive into Pakistan soon
Auto major Ashok Leyland Ltd (ALL) is all set to drive into neighbouring Pakistan with the export of CNG (combustible natural gas) buses. With huge resources of CNG available in Pakistan, the demand for CNG-driven buses are on the rise and the company has planned to cash in on the demand. The ground work for exports has been done already and orders are expected to arrive anytime now.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, June 01, 2004, Page No. 5

The new hot spot: environmental technology gaining momentum
At a private lab in Silicon Valley’s Menlo Park last month, Michael Pak held up the key to his startup’s future: a small model of a nanocrystal of platinum alloy. The chief executive of Nanostellar is banking on his firm’s ability to develop a new type of precious metal alloy composite, that will make catalysts in both cars and fuel cells much cheaper and more efficient. Nanostellar, formed last October, is one of a growing number of firms focused on an emerging industry: clean technology — products and services that drastically reduce or eliminate environmental impacts. Clean technology includes a variety of products and technologies, such as renewable energy, fuel cells, water purification and conservation, waste recycling and processing, and the reuse of materials.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, II(s), May 31, 2004

Clean air still a distant reality
Tokyo has adopted it. So has Hong Kong and many EU countries. The US and UK too have set a roadmap for their vehicles to meet the Euro IV emission norms by the end of next year. But India is dithering on it. Here, while select 11 cities will need to be Euro III compliant by 2005, the switchover to Euro IV is being planned only by 2010, with several riders attached to it which may even delay the plan. The Auto Fuel Policy has come under heavy criticism from agencies rooting for a cleaner environment. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and TERI claim that the policy has been framed keeping in mind only the oil refineries and ignores the environmental and the public health issues. “The Auto Fuel Policy is a product of refinery politics as the government is averse to prodding its own refineries to improve,” says Anumita Roychoudhary, associate director, CSE.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, May 30, 2004, Page No. 4

Frame policy on heavy vehicles : HC
The Delhi High Court directed the Delhi government to frame a comprehensive policy to ensure that
no heavy vehicle which has more than four tyres enters Delhi. Justice Vijendra Jain and justice R S Sodhi were holding the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Pushkar Sood, seeking better traffic management on Delhi roads.

The Times of India, New Delhi, May 29, 2004, Page No. 3

Nagpur agency told to set up CNG-testing outlets
The Delhi government has asked the Nagpur-based testing agency, Chief Controller of Explosives (CCOE), to set up at least 10 outlets in the Capital to inspect the motor fitments of CNG-powered vehicles. The government’s circular said it is mandatory for vehicle-owners to retest and re-certify CNG cylinders, through CCOE-authorised agencies.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 4supp, May 29, 2004

Transport bucks emissions trend
The Department for Transport was accused of covering up embarrassing air emissions figures from its sector this week. Figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) found that emissions from transport increased by 50% in the past 12 years, a pattern that bucks the trend of overall decreased emissions in the UK - down 10% in this period.

Edie (Internet), UK, May 28, 2004

Breathe a little easy in Bangalore from July
The declining air quality of Bangalore city will see a marginal improvement after July 8. The State Government has directed the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to take necessary steps to ensure mandatory use of High Speed Diesel (HSD) containing 0.05 per cent sulphur (instead of HSD containing 0.25 per cent sulphur) by industries in Diesel Generator Sets and other plants and equipment within the Outer Ring Road limits of Bangalore. The order will come into effect from July 8. According to KSPCB Officials, HSD containing 0.05 per cent sulphur is already being supplied within the Outer Ring Road limits of the city.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, May 28, 2004, Page No. 3

GM rolls out hybrid diesel-electric buses
General Motors Corp. the largest auto maker was scheduled to roll out the first phase of its long-term hybrid strategy by delivering 235 hybrid diesel-electric buses to the metro transit system in Seattle. The first 25 models are to be operational on June 5, and the remainder will hit the road at various points through the end of the year, the company said.

The Asian Wall Street Journal, Hong Kong, A4, May 28, 2004

Rising prices put the brake on gas guzzlers
USA`s largest car manufactures are sitting on a record stockpile of 4.2 million unsold vehicles worth $100 billion , amid evidence that soaring petrol prices have finally put Americans off buying oversized, four-wheel drive vehicles, or SUVs.

The Statesman, New Delhi, May 28, 2004, Page No. 9

US needs stricter car fuel standards - group
America should end its love affair with gas guzzlers to cool down red-hot prices at the pumps and cut oil imports, a consumer group urged. Indeed, U.S. drivers would save millions of dollars in gasoline costs this Memorial Day weekend if the federal government had required stricter fuel efficiency for minivans, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and even passenger cars, the U.S. Public Interest Research Group said. With U.S. oil production steadily declining and OPEC hard-pressed to supply enough crude to calm markets, some energy experts say the Bush administration should turn to reducing America`s gasoline consumption over the long term as way to cut into oil imports and lower petroleum prices.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, May 28, 2004

Duty relief on CNG apparatus may be extended by one year
Pakistan government may extend exemption of duties and taxes on the import of compressed natural gas (CNG) machinery/equipment, compressors and allied apparatus for another one year from fiscal
2004-05. Sources said that the time bound exemption of Customs duty and sales tax on the import of CNG machinery/compressors would automatically be withdrawn from July 1, 2004. However, Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) and Petroleum and Natural Resources Ministry have recommended to the government to amend SRO 38(I)/98 for extending exemption of duties and taxes on the import of
CNG apparatus.

Business Recorder (Internet), Pakistan, May 28, 2004

Officials try to hide rise in transport pollution
Official figures showing sharp increases in gases responsible for climate change from air and freight transport were removed from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) report on the environment last week after pressure from the Department for Transport. In a week when Tony Blair was insisting the issue of climate change was "very, very critical" and Margaret Beckett, the environment secretary, claimed the UK was a world leader in reducing emissions, official statistics would have shown an 85% increase in pollutants from the airline industry and 59% for freight transport since 1990.

The Guardian (Internet), UK, May 27, 2004

Buses gear up for green-fuel sprint
If all goes well, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will run a bus from each depot on a mixture of diesel and Honge (Pongenmia) oil by May 2005, making these vehicles the most fuel efficient, environment-friendly and economical in their class. Encouraged by recent lab and road trial results, the BMTC currently runs two of its buses on a mixture of 10 per cent esterified and double filtered Honge oil on a trial basis. These buses run 330 km a day on this mix and and have shown a 21 per cent improvement in mileage and 73 per cent improvement in smoke density compared to vehicles running on only high-speed diesel (HSD). The buses have been running on this mixture since October last.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, 1supp, May 26, 2004

Green profits for Northern Railways
Keeping up with its environment-friendly image, Northern Railways (NR) has been planting "special" trees on both sides of railway tracks under its jurisdiction since last year. The aim of planting these trees is not only to provide green cover on hundreds of acres of vacant railway land on both sides of the tracks but also to extract "added" benefits. The trees being planted will help compensate for the shortfall of diesel that the Railways procure from the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). Northern Railways has already sent in a missive to the IOC to extract oil from the seeds of jatropha trees and mix it with diesel. "When oil is extracted from jatropha seeds, it is said to be qualitatively equivalent to diesel.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, 1supp, May 25, 2004

335 auto-rickshaws fined for using kerosene as fuel
The traffic police department has fined 335 loading and passenger auto-rickshaws that were using kerosene as fuel during a drive launched agaisnt the polluting vehicles. A sum of Rs 53,400 has been collected from the owners of the polluting vehicles during last three days.

Free Press, Indore, May 25, 2004, Page No. 11

Car buyers are high on hybrids
Three years later, environmental concerns still top his reasons for getting on a three-month waiting list for a 2004 Prius, but saving money at the pump doesn`t hurt. Low production of the vehicles by Toyota and Honda has customers waiting months. Shoppers typically can`t even see a new model, let alone test-drive one. Combining gasoline engines with electric motors allows the vehicles to get as much as 65 miles per gallon without plugging in for a recharge, while offering almost as much power as traditional engines. This summer, Honda plans to add a hybrid Accord and Ford plans to launch a hybrid version of its Escape sport utility vehicle. Toyota has plans for hybrid Highlander and Lexus vehicles by the end of the year.

USA Today (Internet), US, May 25, 2004

The Pioneer, New Delhi, 1supp, May 25, 2004, Page No 5

Commission supports 17 new clean urban transport projects
The European Commission has revealed the names of six pilot cities in the new Member States, along with 11 cities from the EU-15, selected for the €50 million CIVITAS programme for the promotion of clean urban transport. Debrecan, Krakow, Ljubljana, Ploiesti, Suceava and Talinn from the new Member States, along with Burgos, Genoa, La Rochelle, Malmo, Norwich, Odense, Potenza, Preston, Stuttgart, Toulouse and Venice will share the funding, 35% of which comes from Commission funds.

Edie (Internet), UK, May 21, 2004

Mercedes completes trial run on biodiesel
`Tour of India` - the first phase of the cross-country drive by DaimlerChrysler India Ltd (DCIL)
with their Mercedes using the biodiesel generated from Jatropha plant, has successfully completed its trial run of 5,900 km. The drive involved running of the Mercedes Benz C class car on biodiesel over terrains, which includes tortuous Western Ghats, across humid coastal areas of Southern India and further through the deserts of Rajasthan, past the plains of Gujarat. Mr Hans Michael Huber, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, DaimlerChrysler India Ltd, is a happy man as the test has given out positive results for the company.

Business Line, New Delhi, May 20, 2004, Page No. 2

Biodiesel can fuel economy, engines
India has its own answer to an impending fuel crisis lying dormant in its wastelands. If planted with oilseed-bearing, drought-resistant trees, like jatropha and pungam, they could also be the solution for millions of rural labourers waiting to find employment. The non-edible oil from these trees can take the place of petro-diesel to a great extent. The new jobs in farms and processing plants, crores of rupees saved in foreign ex-change and new plantations may change the face of India.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, May 20, 2004, Page No. 7

IGL issues notice
Indrasprastha Gas Limited - the sole supplier of CNG in the Capital -- today issued a notice announcing that from June 1 the company will discontinue the supply of gas to vehicles that fail to comply with the regulations of `Gas Cylinders Rules-1981` which make it mandatory for CNG vehicle owners to get the cylinders installed on the motor vehicle, retested and recertified by the Chief Controller of Explosives of the Government of India once in every five years, as the validity of the certification expires after that duration.

The Hindu, New Delhi, May 19, 2004, Page No. 4 & www.hinduonnet.com

Platinum stockpiles rise as new emission era nears
Automotive purchases of platinum rose 23 percent in 2003 as U.S. car makers replenished inventories of the operative element in emissions control systems before tough tailpipe pollution rules take effect this year, according to a study. Rising sales of diesel cars in Europe, the retrofitting of catalysts to heavy duty vehicles in Japan, and changes to overall ratios of platinum and palladium used in catalytic converters were also factors, refining company Johnson Matthey said in its Platinum Survey 2004.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, May 18, 2004

Traffic Police detain 103 chhakdas
Following a recent ban on Chhakdas within the Rajkot municipal corporation limits in Gujarat, traffic police officials detained 103 of them. Violation of the government notification for not driving such vehicles within municipal limits was the main reason why we detained these vehicles.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, May 17, 2004, Page No. 4

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, May 17, 2004, Page No 4

The world is slowly growing darker
In the second half of the 20th century, the world became, quite literally, a darker place. Defying expectation and easy explanation, hundreds of instruments around the world have recorded a drop in sunshine reaching the surface of earth, as much as 10% from the late 1950s to the early ‘90s, such as Asia, the United States and Europe, the drop was even steeper. Hong Kong saw a 37% decrease in its sunshine. No one is predicting that it may soon be night all day, and some scientists believe the skies have brightened in the past decade as the suspected cause of global dimming, air pollution, has lessened in many parts of the world.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, May 16, 2004, Page No. 15

IEA calls for tariffs to be dropped on biofuels
The International Energy Agency has called for tariffs to be dropped on biofuels worldwide. It says that this would encourage their use, reduce the demand for conventional fuels and be an environmental and economic benefit to many countries. Current tariffs are a significant barrier to trade, the report says. On the benefits of biofuels, the report states: "Increasing the use of biofuels can improve energy security, reduce greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions, improve vehicle performance, enhance rural economic development and, under the right circumstances, protect ecosystems and soils.

Edie (Internet), UK, May 14, 2004

High gasoline prices mute America`s love for big SUVs
Some car buyers are taking diesel-powered Volkswagens for a test drive; others are trading in their sport utility vehicles for family sedans or opting for a model with a smaller engine. The recent rise in U.S. gasoline prices to record levels has Americans shopping for more fuel-efficient cars and has at least dampened their love for SUVs, which some consider the biggest gas guzzlers in suburbia. "This is definitely different. It`s all over the news. I guess people just figure that prices will never go down," said Tim Murphy, the new car sales manager at Toyota of Santa Barbara in Goleta, California.

Environmental News Network(Internet), US, May 14, 2004

Jakarta opts for monorail to ease traffic congestion
Jakarta`s city government will sign an agreement with a foreign-backed consortium to build a monorail to ease the Indonesian capital`s traffic-choked streets and chronic pollution, an official said. The PT Jakarta Monorail consortium, which groups Indonesian, Japanese, and Singaporean investors, will build two monorail lines by 2006, municipal spokesman Muhayat said.

Environmental News Network(Internet), UK, May 14, 2004

Gas prices mute america`s love for big SUVs
Some car buyers are taking diesel-powered Volkswagens for a test drive; others are trading in their sport utility vehicles for family sedans, or opting for a model with a smaller engine. The recent rise in U.S. gasoline prices to record levels has Americans shopping for more fuel-efficient cars, and has at least dampened their love for SUVs which some consider the biggest gas guzzlers in suburbia.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, May 14, 2004

New rule aim at diesel soot in air
The Bush administration has announced new regulations that will significantly reduce emissions from tractors, bulldozers, locomotives and other nonroad vehicles propelled by diesel fuel that, altogether, spew more soot than the United States’ fleet of cars, trucks and buses. Michael Leavitt, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, said after a meeting with President George W. Bush that the regulations would be made official setting in motion a plan for full compliance by 2012.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, May 12, 2004, Page No. 4

Safety clause for CNG vehicles
About 70,000 vehicles in the Capital may not get CNG from the Indraprastha Gas Limited after May 31 if they don’t test their cylinders for safety. IGL Managing Director A K Dey told that under the Explosives Act, the safety of the cylinders has to be inspected after every five years. The Act stipulates that cylinders without safety clearance will not be filled. As vehicles in the Capital have been running on CNG for almost five years now, it was time for a check, Dey said. IGL is acting on an April 18 public notice issued by the Transport Department which stated that re-validation of cylinder safety was required for all passenger vehicles.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, May 12, 2004, Page No. 3

EPA to finalize diesel pollution rules today
The Bush administration will finalize rules today to cut air pollution from tractors, bulldozers and other off-road diesel vehicles by over 90 percent, the Environmental Protection Agency said. Fuel refiners will be required to produce diesel fuel by 2012 that is 99 percent free of smog-causing nitrogen oxides under the new rules, which the EPA proposed a year ago.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, May 11, 2004

Rediscover the joy of cycling on ‘Car Free Day’
Air, the voluntary movement that promotes cycling, is organising ‘Car Free Day’ in Bangalore for the second consecutive year on Sunday, May 23. The event is expected to attract more than 2,000 cycling enthusiasts in Bangalore, including CEOs and well-known personalities. Last year, the movement received an overwhelming response to the event. It will be held on a bigger scale this year as TI Cycles has come forward to support this event. Started by a group of cycling enthusiasts, ‘air’ celebrates its second anniversary this month with over 500 members. The objective of ‘air’ is to sensitise Bangaloreans to a range of issues from lane discipline to the City’s environment and motivate them to take to cycling, as a free, fast and fun form of transport. This will help bring down pollution levels in the City and make Bangaloreans healthier.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, 1supp, May 10, 2004

CO is a KO on city roads
The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board`s carbon testing monitors have recorded as high as 200
milligrams of carbon monoxide(CO) per cubic metre at traffic junctions and the gas gets dispersed in ambient air 10 metres away.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, 1sp, May 10, 2004

Cute little electric car stands by Reva
With petrol prices rising, many companies are now launching electric cars for better efficiency and convenience. Syed Sajjad Ahmed, a citizen who completed his higher school in Al Amin College with science as his subject has designed an electric car without any help. Syed presents a crude model of this car that runs 80 to 100 kms per day with a mileage of 75 to 100 kms. The car is battery operated and also has a solar back up. The battery has to be charged four-six hours per day and consumes approximately one unit of power every hour. In comparison to other electric cars, it would cost just about Rs 1 lakh, while Reva costs nearly Rs 2.5 lakh. The car uses direct current and heavy-duty bicycle tyres.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, 3supp, May 08, 2004

Bio-diesel project enters phase-II; talks on for tie-ups
After an encouraging response to the first phase of the bio-diesel extraction project, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is looking to tie-up with a number of players for the second phase. It is in talks with companies such as Tata Motors and Indian Oil to take its project to the next stage. "We are talking to Tata Motors for testing its vehicles on bio-diesel developed from the Jatropha plant. Besides, we are in touch with Indian Oil for studying our new alternative to diesel," said CSIR Director General, Dr R. A. Mashelkar, at a press conference. Two Mercedes Benz cars, which were successfully test driven on bio-diesel for more than 5,000 km, were display in New Delhi.

Business Line, New Delhi, May 08, 2004, Page No. 2

Restriction on heavy vehicles plying urged
Hyderabad city (Pakistan) council demanded that a ban should be imposed on entry of heavy vehicles in the city limits during morning hours. Qamaruddin Sheikh tabled an out of agenda resolution which was unanimously adopted by the council. He said that heavy vehicles caused traffic hazards and restricted movement of the people. He suggested that trucks should be allowed to enter in the city limits between 9pm and 6am.

Dawn (Internet), Pakistan, May 06, 2004

Maruti to ink deal for making diesel engines
Maruti has said it could soon ink an agreement with one of the global engine makers it is in talks with, including France-based Peugeot, to produce diesel engines in the country. “It (the agreement) should not take much time. The agreement will be signed this year,” said Maruti Udyog managing director Jagdish Khattar. Maruti, 54.2 per cent owned by Suzuki Motor Corp of Japan, is in talks with a number of diesel engine makers, including Peugeot and troubled Italian automaker Fiat, to manufacture diesel engines locally.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, May 06, 2004, Page No. 5

Clean fuel switch prod for autos
Following in the footsteps of Delhi and Mumbai - albeit in slow motion - the Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee government is finally planning to make it mandatory for three-wheelers to switch to LPG. Following the notification of central rules and modification of the Calcutta High Court judg ment on compliance with Bharat Stage II norms, it is not mandatory for any vehicle-owner to switch to green fuel, transport department officials said. Any vehicle can ply in the city, as long as it meets the emission standards specified by the Centre.

The Telegraph, Calcutta, May 05, 2004, Page No. 17

Bharat II deadline for govt vehicles
The West Bengal government has ordered its departments to ensure that all vehicles run by them start following Bharat Stage II norms from this month, failing which vehicles will be grounded. Mr H Mohan, joint secretary to the state government, wrote to the heads of the departments in March asking them to take immediate steps to convert the existing engines, either by introducing LPG kits or by installing Bharat stage II engines.

The Statesman, Kolkata, I, May 05, 2004

Rescue workers say hybrid cars a danger
The growing popularity of hybrid vehicles is a step toward cleaner air and less dependence on gasoline. But for rescuers at accident scenes, they represent a potential new danger: a network of high-voltage circuitry that may require some precise cutting to save a trapped victim. "You don`t want to go crushing anything with hydraulic tools," said Samuel Caroluzzi, an assistant chief with the Norristown Fire Department outside Philadelphia. "It`s enough to kill you from what they`re telling us in training." Hybrids draw power from two sources, typically a gas or diesel engine combined with an electric motor. The battery powering the electric motor carries as much as 500 volts, more than 40 times the strength of a standard battery.

USA Today (Internet), US, May 05, 2004

Polluting chhakdas bypass entry ban
Stealthily though, the chhakdas are on the move within Rajkot city’s corporation area in Gujarat. After a recent ban on the polluting vehicles, they no longer use the main roads, instead they cruise the many small lanes and bylanes in order to service their many customers.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, May 04, 2004, Page No. 4

Bajaj signs deal with aussie firm to reduce emissions
Bajaj Auto Ltd has signed a deal with an Australian-based company to equip its autorickshaws with a new fuel injection system that will increase fuel economy and reduce emissions. The technical cooperation agreement will see orbital engine corporation limited, Australia’s fuel injection technology applied to a significant volume of Bajaj’s autorickshaw three wheeler vehicles. Ucal Fuel Systems Ltd, which entered into a deal with Orbital in January 2003 to manufacture Orbital’s fuel injection systems in India, will supply Bajaj.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, May 04, 2004, Page No. 4

Roadmap for hydrogen cars
The Indian motown is joining the hydrogen fuel-cell bandwagon. The majors – led by M&M and Maruti – in a joint initiative with ministry of non-conventional energy sources (MNES), are planning to put hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles on Indian roads by 2008. The ministry has formed four committees, which will prepare a roadmap for the use of hydrogen fuel-cells in various applications, including transportation.

The Times of India, New Delhi, May 03, 2004, Page No. 15

Uttaranchal well set to develop alternative fuels: R S Tolia
In his valedictory address at IIP to the participants of the Xith Programme on “Advances in Petroleum Refining Technology and Related Aspects” for senior executives of the oil industry, Uttaranchal Chief Secretary Dr R S Tolia said that Uttaranchal was fotunate in that almost anything could be grown here as every kind of climate was available and there was no dearth of land. He said the state had undertaken to make Biodiesel a feasible alternative fuel by cutting costs, increasing productivity and adding value. He stressed it was necessary to make it economically viable.

Garhwal Post, Dehradun, May 02, 2004, Page No. 9

New, tighter pollution norms for cars, 2-wheelers
Breathe easy. That’s what new, tighter emission norms for vehicles will do. For the first time since the inception of the Pollution Under Control (PUC) scheme in 1992, existing norms are being tightened. The ministry of road transport and highways notification will come into force from October 1, 2004 all over the country. Emission norms are being adopted according to the kind of vehicle technology used.

The Times of India, New Delhi, May 02, 2004, Page No. 4

Your city`s air is India`s worst
The quality of air Mumbai breathes has slid way beyond safe levels to the worst polluted among seven major cities nationwide. The indication is clear from results - posted on the Central Pollution Control Board website - for air quality measurements on select days from January to April for Delhi, Mumbai, Kanpur, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Vadodara and Chennai.

The Indian Express, Mumbai, 1sp, May 02, 2004

Jatropha Power
Recently, two projects claiming to be the answer to India’s energy problems have caught popular attention. DaimlerChrysler (DC), in partnership with the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research and Hohenheim University in Germany, announced that it was ready for a trial run using biodiesel produced from the local jatropha tree on its Merc C-class. The ministry of non-conventional energy resources, for its part, is also sponsoring the trial run of an omnibus using rice bran oil. The latter has been developed by the Chennai-based Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) (Editorial).

The Financial Express, New Delhi, May 01, 2004, Page No. 6

Fuel testing laboratory opened at Palavakkam
Residents may soon be able to breathe easy, now that there is an independent citizens` body monitoring the quality of automobile fuel combusted in Chennai. The facility has been set up by Concert, a non-governmental organisation, working for consumer rights, in partnership with the California Air Resources Board, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras and Anna Univeristy. It will receive a grant of $150,000 from the United States Asian Environmental Programme and a matching grant from the Indian and US partner for the first two years of collaboration.

The Hindu, Chennai, April 30, 2004, Page No. 6 & www.hinduonnet.com

Operation persuasion for LPG
The oil companies have decided to organise awareness drives in Calcutta to prod car-owners into switching to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for the sake of both environment and economy. The transport department plans to join hands with the oil firms.

The Telegraph, Calcutta, April 30, 2004, Page No. 19

NGO to keep tabs on fuel adulteration
CONCERT (Centre for Consumer Educatio, Research, Teaching, Training and Testing) had a shocker for Chennaiites some time ago by revealing that there was 100 percent adulteration of petrol and diesel sold in Chennai. Now, the NGO has opened a Fuel Testing Facility at Palavakkam on Wednesday to set international standards in identifying fuel adulteration.

The New Indian Express, Chennai, 3sp, April 29, 2004

Govt moves to turn light trucks green
After driving out diesel buses from Delhi, the government is now planning to do so with light trucks plying within city limits. The Environment Pollution (prevention and control) Authority plans to restrict diesel-powered light trucks from plying within the capital from March 31, 2005. It recently convened a meeting with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) expressing views and seeking clarifications from light truck manufacturers on the time needed to replace the existing diesel-run light commercial vehicles with CNG-powered ones.

The Times of India, New Delhi, April 29, 2004, Page No. 17

Automakers putting fuel cell test cars on road
Major automakers plan to put dozens of fuel cell cars on U.S. roads within a year as they test futuristic hydrogen-powered vehicles, which got a boost this week from the promise of $575 million in U.S. government and private funding. DaimlerChrysler AG (DCX.N: Quote, Profile, Research) (DCXGn.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) said it is planning to put up to 37 fuel cell cars in U.S. fleets as soon as this summer, while Ford Motor Co. (F.N: Quote, Profile, Research) plans to build up to 30 fuel cell cars late this year.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, April 29, 2004

US-funded fuel testing facility in TN
The US Consul General for South India, Mr Richard Haynes, on Wednesday inaugurated a `fuel testing centre` funded by the US Asia Environment Partnership (USAEP) and the California Air Resources Board. The lab, the first of its kind in India, would draw samples from retail fuel outlets and analyse them to detect any adulterants. "It will serve as a model both for Tamil Nadu as well as for other States in India as adulteration of fuel is a nation-wide problem," says a press release from the US Consulate in Chennai.

Business Line, New Delhi, April 29, 2004, Page No. 19

DaimlerChrysler in talks with oil cos on biofuel
DaimlerChrysler India is taking its biofuel project further and is in talks with some oil giants. According to Mr Hans Michael Huber, CEO and Managing Director, DaimlerChrysler, the fuel has to be economically tested as prices issues are involved. While the fuel provides the same mileage as fossil fuel, pricing it at the same level would be the critical issue. "Our initial findings indicate that the use of biodiesel in automobiles reduces particulate emission to about one-third that of normal diesel," he said. At the same time, the power ratio, drive and comfort factors remain unaffected.

Business Line, New Delhi, April 29, 2004, Page No. 2

Plan for CNG buses in capital dropped
Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has dropped the idea of plying CNG air conditioned buses in twin cities and declared the plan `not feasible`. Talking to the Agency the ICT spokesman said, "the district administration, previously, chalked out a plan to ply CNG bus service on different routes of the Capital but project is not feasible and cannot be executed now due to specific management complications".

Dawn (Internet), Pakistan, April 27, 2004

Powering unconventional business
The first passenger omnibus running on biodiesel is all set to hit the Chennai roads in June. The latest novelty comes after the swanky biodiesel powered Merc. Only the omnibus uses a different fuel. The biodiesel for it is produced from rice bran oil through a catalytic process. The technology is developed by KC Velappan at the department of chemical engineering, Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai. The trial run is being sponsored by the ministry of non-conventional energy sources, Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency and Chennai Metro Transport Corporation.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, April 27, 2004, Page No. 1

Diesel versions beat petrol cousins in sales race
Diesel cars are steadily increasing their market share, accounting for 18-20 of the total car sales in the year ended March 2004. In the A2 segment (compact cars — Zen, Indica, Palio), they command a market share of 23 per cent. The figures are even better in the A3 to A6 segments (including mid-size, luxury and premium cars) where 32 per cent of the cars sold were diesel powered. This trend of growing sales of diesel cars is in tandem with some of the world markets too with diesel car sales occupying 60 per cent of the market in Belgium, 33 per cent in the UK, 40 per cent in Europe as a whole, though in the US market, diesel cars are still just at 10 per cent of the total market.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, April 27, 2004, Page No. 4

Naval device to combat vehicular pollution
By manufacturing equipment ranging from armaments to state-of-art technology products in various fields, including medical treatment, the Defence establishments across the country have made their presence in contributing to non-Defence related research and development.Recently, a team of five research and civilian personnel of the Naval Dockyard, have designed and developed a device for combating vehicular pollution.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, April 26, 2004, Page No. 4

Truckers to challenge Lal Panel suggestions
The battle is on again for the truck conversion/scrap rule. After being harried from pillar to post between two premier institutions, the Mumbai High Court and the Supreme Court, the aggrieved local transporters are trying a new initiative with a new artillery. According to Supreme Court, the transporters complaint that no CNG/ LPG kits are available for conversion, is primarily a state-level issue ad should be redressed there.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, April 26, 2004, Page No. 12

Workshop on alternative fuels to be held at IIP
The Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) had organised the Eleventh Programme in Dehradun, on "Advances in Petroleum Refining Technology and Related Aspects" with emphasis on "Alternative Fuels: Challenges and Opportunities". The course, designed for Senior Executives working with refineries and oil companies, will enable the participants gain an insight into Alternative Fuels, their role in future refining industry and impact on the environment. The programme will focus on opportunities in alternative fuels for the refiners. It will be an ideal platform for sharing of experience and exchange of ideas on industry issues during discussions on common fora.

Garhwal Post, Dehradun, April 25, 2004, Page No. 3

Roadmap to reduce vehicular pollution
The new auto fuel policy has laid out a roadmap to cut down vehicular pollution in Indian cities. It is an important step towards cleaning the air of vehicular pollution in the next seven years. The National Auto Fuel Policy envisages a phased programme for introducing vehicular emission norms in the country by 2010. The policy seeks to improve the fuel quality and vehicular engine specifications. It has proposed that liquid fuels remain the main auto fuel throughout the country and suggested the use of CNG and LPG in cities affected by higher pollution levels to enable vehicle owners get a choice of fuel and technology combination. The Mashelkar roadmap prescribes an incremental approach for upgradation of fuel standards and vehicle design. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), an NGO, says there is enough evidence of people`s health falling victim to critical levels of pollution. The policy says that most of the cities it targets will get Euro III standards, which are incrementally better than Euro II, in 2010. The CSE feels that this totally ignores Delhi`s "experience of technological leap frogging with aggressive use of alternative fuels and quicker implementation of advanced emission norms.

Garhwal Post, Dehradun, April 25, 2004, Page No. 4

Panel seeks ‘VRS’ for ageing vehicles
Retirement programmes for people are common, but whoever has heard of voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) for vehicles? Yet this is precisely what a panel of transporters, manufacturers and scientists has suggested in response to increasing concerns over the pollution caused by the country’s ageing truck fleet. After the Bombay High Court banned 15-year-old trucks from entering Mumbai city last year, transporters stormed, struck work anD sought legal redress against the restriction.

The Times of India, Mumbai, April 25, 2004, Page No. 3

Soya: Fuelling you and your aircraft
According to a New Scientist report, biochemist Bernard Tao of Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana, and his graduate student Shailendra Bist claim that aircraft fuel based on soya oil and traditional jet fuel will slash the consumption of fossil fuel, and help slow rise in greenhouse gas levels by using carbon from renewable sources. Tao and Bist have developed a blend that freezes at -49 degrees Celsius.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, April 25, 2004, Page No. 16

Pollution causing vehicles should pay more, say MEPs
Air pollution and environmental damage caused by road traffic could soon be a factor in the setting of road tolls, based on a vote taken by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) this week. The Parliament voted on the criteria for charging heavy goods vehicles to travel on Europe`s roads, in which environmental costs were accounted for. It adopted this recommendation in the first reading of the report this week. MEPs felt the emissions a vehicle produces, along with its weight, should be factored in to how much the various forms of transport pay in toll charges.

Edie (Internet), UK, April 23, 2004

Taxi, auto fares may dip due to CNG usage
Taxi and autorickshaw drivers have profited by switching from petrol to compressed natural gas (CNG), as CNG gives better mileage. Passengers may soon benefit from cheaper fares. The Gujarat State government is planning to set up a committee to look into the revision of fares as all taxis and many autos have switched to the cheaper CNG.

The Times of India, Mumbai, April 23, 2004, Page No. 3

Hybrid vehicle sales show 26% gain in U.S.
Americans are opting more for vehicles with environmentally friendly gasoline-electric hybrid engines, new statistics show, and that trend is expected to continue because of high gasoline prices and the growing number of hybrid models. U.S. registrations for hybrid vehicles rose to 43435 last year, a 25.8 percent increase from 2002, according to figures from R.L Polk, a firm that collects and interprets automotive information.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, April 23, 2004, Page No. 17

Schwarzenegger hits gas pedal on Hydrogen Highways plan
Arnorld Schwarzenegger this week set Californian drivers on the road to an emissions free future by topping up a Toyota Highlander with hydrogen at one of the state’s first filling stations to serve fuel cell-powered vehicles. The governor – whose own affection for muscle cars and sports utility vehicles helped bolster sales of the paramilitary Hummer made by General Motors – was inaugurating the Hydrogen Highway he promised in his election campaign last year.

Financial Times, London, April 23, 2004, Page No. 6

Mr Clean Maken readies for Delhi
"Vote for Mr Clean!" is the slogan which may make most of us wonder who is this politician in the times of scams and tapes. But, unlike what a voter might be forced to think, it is one of the many slogans through which the Congress hopes to cash in on the popularity of Mr Ajay Maken, the nominee from the New Delhi parliamentary constituency. Pitted in a tough battle against a seasoned leader and a Union minister, Mr Jagmohan, the party has coined slogans like "Mr CNG" to remind people of the efforts of this leader from Rajouri Garden. "It was the tireless efforts of Mr Maken in bringing about a complete switchover from diesel to compressed natural gas, the fuel which is being used in public transport, including autorickshaws, now," claimed party officials.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, April 23, 2004, Page No. 9

Truckers troubles stuck in legal cul-de-sac
The legal battle between environmentalists and transporters over the issue of scrapping old trucks shows no sighs of ending any time soon. Efforts of the Maharashtra state government to get a relaxation has also been rejected by the SC as well as the Bombay high court, which set the original deadline as part of an ongoing case on vehicular pollution.

The Times of India, Mumbai, April 19, 2004, Page No. 5

Beware! Hi-tech vehicle pollution sensors in place
Check your vehicle for pollution before you hit the city roads from Monday. As part of the continuing efforts to make the slogan "Clean Delhi, Green Delhi" a reality, sophisticated remote sensors to check vehicular pollution will be pressed into service for the first time. With technology all set to take over vehicle pollution control, Delhi will join the elite club of world-class cities which have the sophisticated remote sensors. The US-made hi-tech sensors to keep a check on vehicular pollution, will be the first of its kind to be used in India. As a part of the Delhi government’s initiative to make Delhi at par with other world-class cities, the foreign-made sensors are being installed and they have an unique methodology.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, April 19, 2004, Page No. 13

Govt unlikely to meet deadline on smart card plan
The Delhi government’s plan to replace paper registration certificates (RCs) for about 40 lakh vehicles in the city with smart optical cards, by May 1, may well turn out to be a washout. For the uninitiated, an optical smart card is a clip card embossed with a computer chip which can transact data. The chip can store 4 MB of data.

The Times of India, New Delhi, April 19, 2004, Page No. 4

Indian auto joins the million club
India is definitely shining as far as the passenger car industry is concerned. Car sales have crossed the one million sales mark in the 2003-04 fiscal. And the outlook for the current fiscal is even brighter. "Higher all round economy growth, excise duty reductions, brisk infrastructural development and other reforms have energised the auto industry with the passenger vehicle sales in India and overseas crossing the 1 million mark in 2003-04. The auto manufacturers now target at achieving 1 million domestic sales alone in this fiscal year," said Jagdish Khattar, President, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

The Pioneer, New Delhi, April 17, 2004, Page No. 10

Anti-adulteration cell seize spurious diesel
The anti adulteration cell of the ministry of petroleum and natural gas has seized around 2 lakh 50 thousand litres of spurious diesel in Delhi. A team of the northern region of the cell raided C Balaji Traders in Mundaka Village and seized tanks containing kerosene and diesel. Kerosene is blended with diesel to make adulterated diesel.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, April 17, 2004, Page No. 15

Clean myth shattered: NO₂ on rise
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the nitrogen dioxide levels have increased at a rate of 15% between 2002 and 2003. The increase has been seen across residential, industrial areas and traffic intersections. “Though the buses have been converted to CNG, the number of diesel vehicles are increasing. The share of diesel vehicles has gone up from 4% in 1999 to 16% in 2003,” said CSE’s co-ordinator for Right to Clean Air Campaign, Anumita Roy Chowdhury. Additionally, the increment in the annual sale of diesel cars is as much as 106%, Chowdhury added.

The Times of India, New Delhi, April 17, 2004, Page No. 4

Administration told to introduce CNG-based autorickshaws
While the three-wheeler autorickshaws in the town have been a synonym of the increasing air pollution and a cause of heavy congestion on the main roads, their owners, too, are not happy with the present conditions governing their plying. They have even asked the local administration to introduce the clean fuel on pattern of Delhi to get a control over the pollution menace. The measures announced earlier by the district administration to check the problems connected with the plying of the three-wheeler autorickshaws here has not been able to bring the desired results.

The Tribune, New Delhi, April 17, 2004, Page No. 2(S)

Remote sensors to detect vehicles causing air pollution
Gross polluters on the Capital’s roads will soon be tracked using remote sensors. The identification will be carried out by the Delhi Department of Transport, using devices that detect emissions in real time and driving situations. The pilot study follows a test run of the equipment in Pune and is being demonstrated under a partnership between the city’s transportation department, the Automotive Research Association of India and Environmental Systems Products. The US Agency for International Development is supporting the inspection and certification methods that aim to curb air pollution from the city.

The Tribune, New Delhi, 3(S), April 15, 2004

Delhi govt to try US remote sensors on polluting vehicles
Delhi government will launch a pollution control campaign from April 19, when they will deploy 82 teams with devices at various points in the city. The government also plans to use a remote-sensor fitted new device, offered by a US-based firm, for trial. Transport Minister Haroon Yusuf said the government was getting the device free and will decide whether to purchase it or not after evaluating its performance in the next four weeks. The pollution control campaign will continue for a month as Yusuf said the Delhi government is committed to environment protection.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 1supp, April 15, 2004

Supreme Court rejects bus operators` plea
The Supreme Court dismissed an application by the Mumbai Bus Owners Association seeking extension of the January 3, 2004, deadline (fixed by the Bombay High Court) for conversion of around 24,000 commercial vehicles which are more than eight years old, from diesel to CNG (compressed natural gas) mode. A Bench, comprising Justice Shivaraj V. Patil and Justice D.M. Dharmadhikari, dismissed the application. The High Court had fixed the deadline on a petition filed by the Mumbai Environment Action Group, which said that the increasing pollution in Mumbai city could be controlled only through conversion of the old commercial vehicles from diesel to CNG mode.

The Hindu, New Delhi, April 14, 2004, Page No. 14 & www.hinduonnet.com

CNG deadline for Mumbai Jan 31 : SC
The Supreme Court has dismissed the application of Mumbai bus Owners Association seeking an extension of the January 31 deadline for converting eight-year old diesel –run commercial vehicles (around 24000) into CNG-run ones. The Bombay high Court had fixed the deadline on a petition filed by Bombay Environment Action Group (BEAG).

The Times of India, New Delhi, April 13, 2004, Page No. 7

CNG deadline for Mumbai remains
The top court dismissed an application by the Mumbai Bus Owners Association seeking extension of the January 31 deadline for conversion into CNG from diesel of over eight-year-old commercial vehicles numbering around 24,000. The owners of these commercial vehicles now have to convert them into CNG mode.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, April 13, 2004, Page No. 1

Vehicle population contributing to respiratory diseases`
Modernisation and increase in automobiles are responsible for the rise in respiratory diseases. About 10 per cent of India`s population suffer from respiratory diseases, according to World Health Organisation`s statistics. In 10-15 years, there could be an asthma epidemic, says R. Narasimhan, chairman, Respiratory Research Foundation of India. The foundation recently studied 800 school students and found that seven per cent complained of recurrent infections such as cough and cold.

The Hindu, Chennai, April 12, 2004, Page No. 6 & www.hinduonnet.com

Drivers breathe easy under CNG
The introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses in the Capital has led to a definite improvement in the health of the drivers - especially those of the Delhi Transport Corporation- as very few of them are now reporting breathing problems which were aggravated by diesel fumes earlier.

The Hindu, New Delhi, April 10, 2004, Page No. 8

Lever` car that runs on natural gas
The race to produce ever smaller, eco-friendly cars, capable of weaving through congested city traffic, has narrowed. Engineers at Bath University yesterday unveiled a project to build a three-wheeled, tilting micro-vehicle which is only a metre wide, has a top speed of 50mph, and runs on compressed natural gas. The Clever (Compact Low Emission Vehicle for Urban Transport) car is planning to outwit the Smart car, overtaking it as a the fashionable and environmentally less damaging way of getting about town. The design, still at a research stage, is being funded chiefly by the EU, which has committed £1.5m to the project. Work is also being carried out by German, French and Austrian scientists.

Business Line, New Delhi, April 09, 2004, Page No. 18

Ford to make fuel-efficient hybrid cars
Higher gas prices might not be making Americans rush to buy small cars, but William Clay Ford Jr., says his company is preparing for a future of more sticker shock at the pump. Ford, the chairman and chief executive of the Ford Motor Co., said Wednesday his company would offer three hybrid vehicles by 2007 and redouble efforts to build more efficient vehicles. This year, Ford Motor, if it sticks to its current product plan, will become the third automaker to sell a hybrid vehicle, a version of the Escape sport utility vehicle.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, April 09, 2004, Page No. 7

Trucks openly flout SC ruling
Every night, a caravan of 60,000 trucks passes through the city. They are poorly maintained, run on high sulphur diesel and cause air pollution. What`s more, these trucks enter the city in contravention to a Supreme Court order which banned any trucks not carrying goods for the city, to pass through. When the Environment Protection Authority`s (EPA) Bhure Lal and Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) director Sunita Narain conducted an inspection after the SC order, they found that it was being flouted. "The trucks found the alternative route lengthy hence would get across the border by bribing," Bhure Lal said. What is of significance, however, is that these trucks run on diesel five times more polluting than the fuel available in the city.

The Times of India, New Delhi, April 09, 2004, Page No. 2

‘Centre to plant Jathropha tree in 50,000 hectares’
The centre has drawn up a blueprint to plant Jatropha tree in 50,000 hectares, director general of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Dehra Dun, Dr RPS Katwal said. He was speaking at the 38th convocation of the University of Agricultural Sciences in Bangalore. Planting of trees would be done all over the country at a cost of Rs 1,430 crores, giving employment to 15 million people, he said.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, 3supp, April 08, 2004

Increasing use of biofuels can reduce India’s annual oil bill
Biofuels is the appropriate alternative to reduce the annual oil bill of the country which is Rs 64,000 crore, 70 per cent of which is met through imports, Mr R P S Katwal, Director General, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Dehra Dun said in Bangalore. Delivering the 38th convocation address of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, he said that biofuels are gaining importance in the light of increasing energy demand, especially fossil fuels which is non-renewable. Biofuels were renewable, biodegradable, non-hazardous and safer for air, water and soil and its use reduced the emission of greenhouse gases, he said.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, April 08, 2004, Page No. 5

Directive and deadline bite the dust
New pollution under control (PUC) checking system for all categories of vehicles to be put in place by April 1, 2004… Finalisation of plans by the state government for augmentation of city public transport system, not later than April 1, 2004… This was the time-line set by the national auto fuel policy for in-use vehicles in 10 cities, including Calcutta, in October 2003. And there was everything official about it — formulated by the Union ministry of petroleum and natural gas and approved by the Cabinet. But the Bengal government has hardly moved a muscle to meet the two April ’04 deadlines. And those partially responsible for cleaning the Calcutta air remain clueless about both directive and deadline.

The Telegraph, Kolkata, April 07, 2004, Page No. 17

TERI study says city`s buses should use cleaner fuels to lessen pollution
Chennai`s increasing air pollution can be curbed if its buses move to "cleaner fuels" at the earliest, a study by a New-Delhi based NGO has said. The conclusions of a new study on transport and environment by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has said that unless cleaner technology and cleaner fuels are used, transport emissions would make the air we breathe toxic. While the study is Mumbai-based, it has also collected data from all other metropolitan cities.

The New Indian Express, Chennai, 1(S), April 06, 2004

Mercedes hits the road on biodiesel
Tour of India, the first phase of DaimlerChrysler India Ltd`s cross-country drive with the Mercedes Benz C Class running on biodiesel generated from Jatropha plants, was flagged off in Pune. The 5,000-km drive will cover hard terrain, including the tortuous Western Ghats, the humid coasts of South India and the dry arid deserts of Rajasthan and the flats of Gujarat. The company would also conduct tests for emission properties, and power and drive systems compatibility during the run. The official said emission tests had been conducted for biodiesel and it could meet Euro II norms as it had very little particulate emission.

Business Line, New Delhi, April 06, 2004, Page No. 2

`Scrapping of vehicles never an issue in combating auto pollution`
Scrapping of vehicles was never thought of as a means of controlling auto pollution, the West Bengal Director of Public Vehicles Department and Joint Secretary, State Transport Department, Mr H. Mohan said. Addressing a workshop on Bharat II: Reality and Illusions, he said that scrapping of vehicles can never be ordered without causing major problems. "Scrapping was never an issue at any forum, he said categorically", adding that any vehicle would be allowed to run irrespective of its age as long as it conformed to the emission standards stipulated by the Centre. These take effect from October 2. No age limit has been fixed for the running vehicles by the order, he said.

Business Line, New Delhi, April 05, 2004, Page No. 13

PUC certification a joke, we got one for the DCP
The only time one can breathe fresh air in Ahmedabad is early in the morning before vehicles swoop on the roads. But those not zealous enough to avail the privilege have no choice but to battle through the smoke blanket, which has earned the city the title of ‘the most polluted in the country’. An attempt to tackle the situation by issuing by issuing Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates that have to be updated every six months, has failed miserably.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, April 04, 2004, Page No. 3

Rickshaw drivers lock horns with traffic police
Tension ran high in the Danilimda area as officials of Ahmedabad Traffic Police (ATP) cracked down on autorickshaws using kerosene and solvent as fuel. The kerosene-solvent mix is a major contributor to air pollution in Ahmedabad.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, April 03, 2004, Page No. 3

Only high end new buses : Transport dept
Bus operators who want to get new buses on road will have to buy high-end buses. The transport department has put this condition, as part of a strategy to improve the transport infrastructure in Delhi. Transport commissioner Rajiv Talwar said the effect may be a slow in showing because a large number of operators had bought new buses at the time of the CNG controversy. Some had got their old buses converted to CNG.

The Times of India, New Delhi, April 03, 2004, Page No. 4

States drag feet on way to CNG break
Four years is all it will take for the country to get "free and plentiful" CNG as 24 cities get hooked on to the National Gas Grid. Only not many of these cities know about this, struggling as they are with pollution levels in the absence of strict implementation of norms. The Environment Protection Control Authority (EPCA) is now writing to cities on GAIL’s ‘Operation Blue Sky’. Clean-up programmes will have to be tailored according to these estimates, EPCA authorities say. Most cities are lagging behind in planning and might not be able to incorporate the changes. At a three-day CSE workshop on "The Leapfrog Factor: Towards Clean Air in Asian Cities", most pollution control representatives from other cities showed how poor their planning is when urgent intervention is required to combat air pollution. These cities are nowhere close to what Delhi was seven years ago in their planning.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, April 02, 2004, Page No. 5

Impressed, Pak now wants CNG
He dreams of "cleaner air" for the people of Lahore to breath easy. Ask him what he likes about Delhi’s transport system, and Ahmed H. Ghazali, a young lawyer working as a researcher with the Clean Air Commission in Lahore tells you that he was struck by the strips stating CNG on the green autorickshaws indicative of the pride the city takes in having shifted to a cleaner fuel. With a goal to replicate the same pride in Lahore by developing an environment friendly transport system, Ahmed Ghazali is returning loaded with ideas picked up at the International Conference, "The Leapfrog Factor: Towards Clean Air In Asian Cities," organised by the Centre For Science and Environment in the capital. Impressed with India’s initiatives, Ahmed Ghazali would like to see the public transport in Lahore also shift to a cleaner fuel like CNG.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, April 02, 2004, Page No. 9

Delhiites prone to respiratory disorders
Beware! Vehicular pollution is choking the respiratory tracts of Delhiites and the residents of Kolkata putting them at a greater risk of suffering from diseases like impaired lung function and cancers. A study on respiratory and systemic effects of air pollution being conducted by the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in Kolkata shows that a large majority of urban adults and children in Delhi and Kolkata examined had symptoms of underlying respiratory illness. "The physical as well as the mental health of the citizens are at a risk," is how the study summarises the findings. In the capital for the international conference on the "Leap Frog Factor: Towards Clean Air In Asian Cities", Dr Lahiri said that the study was being carried out with the objective to prepare a database on air pollution related respiratory changes among the citizens of two of the most polluted cities in India.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, April 02, 2004, Page No. 9

CNG vehicles throughout country planned
The Bangladesh government has decided to introduce CNG transports throughout the country with a view to protecting the environment and saving the cost on fuel. Communication Minister said this while inaugurating a CNG refueling station, petrol pump and a CNG conversion factory at Demra.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, April 01, 2004, Page No. 11

100 CNG autos begin plying in Vadodara
Exactly 100 autorickshaws in Vadodara in Gujarat have now agreed to go green. In an ambitious move, the Vadodara Autorickshaw Union, which functions under the Vadodara chapter of INTUC, has readied 100 operators to convert to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The union, which till a few months back was in search of a financier, has convinced a co-operative bank to give them soft loans.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, March 31, 2004, Page No. 4

Rush time for diesel players
The Indian automobile industry is brimming with activity. With the government having decided to drive in stricter emission norms starting April 2005, most diesel vehicle makers are working overtime — some with assistance from overseas majors — to meet the deadline. Ashok Leyland has joined hands with AVL List Gmbh of Austria for developing a new 5.7 litre engine to meet Euro-III emission norms that will come into effect in 2005. Tata has also inked a deal with AVL and Delphi Diesel of France to develop Euro-IV compliant common rail direct injection (CRDi) diesel engines for Indica and its other passenger cars.

The Times of India, New Delhi, March 31, 2004, Page No. 17

Lahore eyes Delhi’s CNG
Lahore, which once nursed close ties with Delhi, is coming back for more. Authorities there want the Capital’s help to convert its public transport system into the CNG mode. The Pakistani city has about 20,000 public transport vehicles. Hassaan Ghazali, member of Pakistan Environmental Law Association that has been asked to suggest a plan to convert to CNG in Lahore, enthusiastically participated in a seminar on environment. He discussed the issue with transport commissioner Rajiv Talwar, who was part of the process to convert about 80,000 vehicles in Delhi’s public transport fleet to CNG in two years.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, March 31, 2004, Page No. 4

JAMA-Indian Industry meet on 2-wheeler engine oils
The Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) in association with Lubrizol India Ltd organised a meeting with Japanese delegates representing the Japanese Automotive Manufacturers Association (JAMA) and experts from Indian Industry recently at the CSIR Vigyan Kendra, New Delhi. The objective of this meeting was to share views and experience on various issues and problems concerning lubrication of 2-stroke and 4-stroke, air cooled gasoline engines of 2-wheelers including JASO 2T and 4T oil specifications, international standards, test methods performance evaluation and trends for upgradation of these oils.

Garhwal Post, Dehradun, March 28, 2004, Page No. 3

Carmakers pull plug on electric vehicles
Five to 10 years ago, when the future seemed to belong to electric cars - and California clean-air rules forced reluctant automakers to offer them - a small but enthusiastic group of optimists and environmentalists signed on as pioneers. While a few bought electrics outright, most signed leases that obliged them to return the vehicles after a few years. Regulators and auto manufacturers have since pinned their hopes on newer technologies, like hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles and, further in the future, hydrogen cars.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, March 28, 2004, Page No. 11

Case-eve inability plea on Bharat II
The state governemnt finally filed a report before the green bench of Calcutta High Court, expressing its inability to carry out the order of the court to implement Bharat Stage II norms in all vehicles plying in the Calcutta Metropolitan Area (CMA) from April 2, 2004.

The Telegraph, Kolkata, March 26, 2004, Page No. 17

State plea on Bharat II
The state government today filed an application in Calcutta High Court stating what steps it had taken to comply with the High Court’s order of 3 April of last year for implementation of the Bharat Stage II norms for all vehicles in the state. The application states that the government was complying with the directives of the Centre regarding the maintenance of the BSII norms in the city of Kolkata.

The Telegraph, Kolkata, March 26, 2004, Page No. 6

Ethanol-mixed petrol launch now set for April 15
The launch of ethanol-mixed petrol in Tamil Nadu, which has missed deadlines since January 2003, is now set for April 15. The eco-friendly fuel is, however, likely to be introduced only in a few districts, as the State Government has decided to cap the supply of ethanol to oil companies at 20,000 kilolitres in 2004-05.

The Hindu, Chennai, March 26, 2004, Page No. 1 & www.hinduonnet.com

U.S. EPA may revise vehicle fuel economy tests
With U.S. gasoline prices hovering at all-time highs, the Environmental Protection Agency opened the door this week to a possible revision of its fuel economy testing procedures for new cars and light trucks. The move, which could provide consumers and U.S. policy makers with a more accurate picture of fuel efficiency in real-world driving conditions, came in response to a petition filed nearly two years ago by the Bluewater Network environmental group.

Environmental News Network(Internet), US, March 26, 2004

Ford may not buy European emission trading rights
Ford Motor Co, the second biggest US automaker, said it probably would not need to buy rights to release greenhouse gases in Europe because the company can save energy to counter a shortfall in emissions in allowance. The European Union`s emission trading system, due to start in 2005, will require manufacturing and energy companies that exceed allocated rights to buy extra allowances or cut releases.

Business Line, New Delhi, March 26, 2004, Page No. 3

Tankers drive out of city for cheaper, polluting diesel
It is not for water alone the city`s outskirts are becoming popular; thousands of water tankers buy diesel there, as it is cheaper in the suburbs than in the city. The operators save money but end up polluting the city, as the fuel is not as `clean`. The city retail outlets dispense only the premium grade ultra low sulphur diesel, known in the oil industry as `metro diesel.` It costs 56 paise more than the fuel sold elsewhere in the State. (Diesel is sold in the city at Rs.24.23 a litre).

The Hindu, Chennai, March 25, 2004, Page No. 1 & www.hinduonnet.com

A`bad breathes easy as traffic cops crackdown on polluting `chhagdas`
Although the recent crackdown on six-seater auto-rickshaws, popularly known as ‘chhagdas’, has affected those commuting to-and-from the industrial areas of Vatva and Odhav, the rest of Ahmedabad is litterally “breathing easy”. The Ahmedabad Traffic Police have also been cracking down on autorickshaws which use a concoction of solvent and kerosene, thereby causing pollution. During the past four days more than 373 autorickshaws have been seized.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, March 22, 2004, Page No. 4

PCB `monitors` but smokes refuse to die
The choking fumes have no intention of clearing off. They are now polluting the city with a newfound strength. Well, it is no news that pollution levels are steadily climbing. What is surprising is the fact that the Pollution Control Board (PCB) is not monitoring the levels daily.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, 1(S), March 20, 2004

‘All vehicles to be converted to CNG by Dec’
Bangladesh minister for Energy and Mineral Resources AKM Mosharraf Hossain said that all the petrol run vehicles of the government and semi-government organisations will be converted to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by December this year. The State Minister said that the ministry is also planning to increase price of per litre CNG by One Taka more from the existing Taka 7.5 per liter to encourage setting up of more CNG stations in the country particulary outside Dhaka. Some 50 CNG stations are also operating in the capital at present, the minister said.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, March 19, 2004, Page No. 1

Fighting the auto industry for low-emission cars
Which environmentalists do the auto companies fear most? Is it Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) clean air regulators? Congressional fuel economy watchdogs? Neither one, actually. The principal worry is a little state agency in California, the Air Resources Board (ARB), which sets emissions policy for the state. Since California is the largest auto market in the country, accounting for 10 percent of all sales, the automakers can`t afford to ignore its dictates.

Environmental News Network(Internet), US, March 19, 2004

Maruti to save Rs 100 crore a year from CNG supply
India's biggest car maker Maruti Udyog Ltd is expected to cut costs by around Rs 100 crore every year following the restoration of supplies of compressed natural gas (CNG) to industrial units in and around Delhi by the state-owned gas firm Gail (India) Ltd. Gail (India) restored the supply of CNG to industrial units in the national capital region recently, a move which will result in significant savings on energy spending to several companies like Maruti and Samtel Color and Hindustan Sanitaryware. Complete stoppage of CNG supply to Maruti's Gurgaon unit in May 2002 forced it to use diesel gensets for power supply.

Business Standard, New Delhi, March 19, 2004, Page No. 3

Rs 800 crore bio-diesel project okayed
The Planning Commission has approved a Rs 800-crore project for establishing extensive plantations of jatropha. Oil extracted from the plant can be used for producing bio-diesel. The project will be implemented by the National Oilseeds and Vegetable Oils Development Board (Novod), an autonomous body under the agriculture ministry. This project is based on the recommendation of a task force on the development of bio-fuels constituted by the Planning Commission. It had submitted its report in July 2003.

Business Standard, New Delhi, March 19, 2004, Page No. 2

Maruti rolls out omni cargo LPG
Eyeing the lower end of the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment, Maruti Udyog launched an LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) variant of the Omni Cargo priced at Rs 1.78 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The Omni Cargo LPG is eligible for an excise duty concession from the government as it is powered by a clean fuel, says a company release. It will attract an excise levy of 16 per cent compared with 24 per cent for similar vehicles run on conventional fuels.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, March 19, 2004, Page No. 4

Over 60 per cent vehicles fail emission test
The on-the-spot emission testing’ results show that over 62 percent of the vehicles plying the streets of the Kathmandu have failed the required emission standards. Out of the total vehicles tested so far, over 80 percent that ‘failed’ are diesel engined.

The Kathmandu Post, Kathmandu, March 18, 2004, Page No. 8

Pedal your way out of congestion: Sheila
To promote cycle riding as a means to de-congest roads and check the level of pollution, the Delhi government is embarking on a new mission to promote cycling. Inaugurating the Indo-Bike Expo ‘04, Chief Minister Ms Sheila Dikshit today said "Cycling is a joy, a sport which is not only good for health but also for the environment". "To make people come back to cycling, the Delhi government is embarking on a major mission which starts with a campaign involving school-children."

The Tribune, New Delhi, 1(s), March 18, 2003

Bicycle makers` concern over rising steel prices
Major bicycle manufacturers have raised their concern over the rising steel prices at the inauguration of the first-ever focussed trade show on the bicycle industry, Indo Bike Expo 2004, in New Delhi, and urged the Government to take effective measures to safeguard the interests of the industry. The Delhi Chief Minister, Ms Sheila Dikshit, while speaking on the occasion hinted that designated cycle tracks would soon be established in the city. The Delhi Government is also working closely along with Delhi Police to launch the campaign to promote this eco-friendly mode of transport. "We are planning a cycling calendar and a track on which Delhi`s future generation would participate. We slowly aim to bring this cultural change," she said.

Business Line, New Delhi, March 18, 2004, Page No. 2

Govt may increase price of CNG
The Bangladesh government may go for an over 14 percent increase of CNG (compressed natural gas)
price at the customers level, officials said. A proposal in this regard to refix per cubic metre CNG price at Tk 8.50 from existing Tk 7.45 was sent to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who is also in –charge of the Energy Ministry.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, March 17, 2004, Page No. 1

Transporters strike down CNG offer
Weeks before the expiry of the April 2 deadline on Bharat Stage II compliance, a crucial meeting between minister Subhas Chakraborty and transport operators today ended in a deadlock. The vehicle owners are still reluctant to replace old engines with ones that meet the new norms. At the Netaji indoor stadium meeting, they refused to attach imported devices to make the engines CNG compatible as suggested by some officials.

The Telegraph, Kolkata, March 17, 2004, Page No. 9

A green light for cleaner fuels
Zhou Jun, who drives a bus on the No.1 route through Tiananmen the benefit of his company’s switch to buses powered by natural gas in his paycheck : He gets extra money for saving fuel. ‘If we save energy for the company, we get a bonus at the end of the month’, Zhou, a driver for Beijing Bashi, said at one of the capital’s 16 compressed natural gas stations. This business definitely has potential in the long run because China is moving toward cleaner sources of energy’, said Alan Wang, an asset manager at Value Partners at Value Partners.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, B4, March 16, 2004

Traffic cops get Oxygen machines
For years they have been standing in the middle of the arterial and congested roads, breathing fumes emitted by hundreds and thousands of passing vehicles. Their health suffered, and no one even looked at improving their working conditions. But now they can breathe easy. For, the Chennai City Traffic Police (CCTP) has come up with a Rs 25 lakh proposal to provide the traffic constables with pure Oxygen to inhale ahead of the long-parching summer.

The New Indian Express, Chennai, March 15, 2004, Page No. 13

LPG-powered Omni to hit market soon
Maruti Udyog Ltd will make factory-fitted LPG vehicles commercially available. The ubiquitous Omni Cargo will be the first in India to get the LPG-variant. The company has already despatched the first lot of vehicles and it will be available in showrooms by next week. The price though is still under wraps. It is expected to be lower than the regular Omnis due to excise concessions available to environment-friendly vehicles. As the “Go Green” movement of automobiles in Delhi extends to other metros like Mumbai and Kolkata, the LPG variant is expected to find many takers since the price differential on running costs is significant. LPG is comparable to CNG and the running cost is much lesser than diesel or petrol.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, March 15, 2004, Page No. 21

Demand better deal
Aesthetis is a costly luxury, especially in a busting city. The Nepal government’s decision to phase out two-stroke tempos from the capital in favor of the better looking taxis and micros not only means a potential occupational relocation for tempo owners but also a fair degree of compromise for commuters in terms of fares. Unable to muster enough cash to pay for taxis and mocors, owners of the 903 streets are trying hard to exert pressure on the government to revise its decision to provide only four wheelers as alternatives to the three wheelers. The three wheelers are to be phased out of the capital by July 15.

The Kathmandu Post, Kathmandu, 1(s), March 13, 2004

Call for auto pollution
In a bid to contain the automobile pollution menace in Kolkota city, the industry and academic circle have urged the West Bengal Government to frame laws to phase out polluting vehicles from city roads. “Automobile pollution contributes to about 50% of total environmental pollution. It is causing havoc on public health and the Government needs to play a pro-active role to contain it,” Mr Sanjay Budhia, Chairman of Confederation of Indian Industries (Eastern Region), said.

Business Line, New Delhi, March 13, 2004, Page No. 17

Bharat II norms extension sought
The West Bengal Government has decided move the High Court seeking extension of the deadline for implementating Bharat Stage II norms. The Calcutta High Court has fixed April 2, as the deadline for implementation of Bharat Stage II norms.

Business Line, New Delhi, March 12, 2004, Page No. 17

Dassault, Tate talk electric car
French military aerospace major Dassault Group is planning a new offensive for the Indian market,
albeit this time round in the passenger car arena. The group’s automotive arm- Societe Des Vehicules Electriques (SVE) – has initiated talks with Tata Motors to produce and market electric passenger cars in India. The firm is exploring options of either setting up a JV in India to produce these cars or entering into a technology transfer arrangement with Tata Motors, SVE president Laurent Dassault said.

The Times of India, New Delhi, March 11, 2004, Page No. 17

Fuel adulteration racket busted
The Central Bureau of Investigation unearthed a major petrol and diesel adulteration racket allegedly involving fake stamp paper scam kingpin Abdul Karim Telgi and a number of senior officials of the oil public sector undertakings. The racket was busted following simultaneous raids at premises of eight companies in Mumbai, Jalgaon and Chennai. All these companies, involved in large-scale adulteration with the connivance of government officials, were allegedly being financed by Telgi. These companies used to import naphtha at subsidised industrial rate and then scientifically mix it with petrol and diesel before delivering it at petrol pumps and retail outlets across the country through private oil tankers.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, March 11, 2004, Page No. 3

Laws on auto pollution sought
In a bid to contain the automobile pollution menace in Kolkota city, the industry and academic circle urged the West Bengal Government to frame laws to phase out polluting vehicles from city roads. "Automobile pollution contributes to about 50% of total environmental pollution. It is causing havoc on public health and the government needs to play a pro-active role to contain it," Mr Sanjay Budhia, Chairman of Confederation of Indian Industries (eastern region), said.

Business Line, New Delhi, March 11, 2004, Page No. 17

Ford to use Toyota hybrid system technology
Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T: Quote, Profile, Research) said yesterday that Ford Motor Co (F.N: Quote, Profile, Research) would use some of its hybrid engine technology, in a pact that underlines the Japanese auto giant`s strong lead in eco-friendly gasoline-electric know-how. Toyota, which recently overtook Ford to become the world`s second-largest auto maker, is keen to see the overall market for hybrids grow while promoting its technology and expanding its hybrid lineup.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, March 10, 2004

SC orders inquiry into diesel adulteration
The Supreme Court has directed the Commissioner of Delhi Police to probe into allegations that the diesel sold at retail outlets of leading petroleum companies in the national Capital territory was adulterated. This order was passed by a Bench comprising Chief Justice V.N. Khare, Justice Y.K. Sabharwal and Justice Arijit Pasayat yesterday as it was not satisfied with the response of the petroleum companies — HP and IOC. Amicus Curiae Harish Salve had brought to court’s notice an article published in the magazine Down To Earth giving photographic evidence of diesel being pilfered from oil tankers and then replensihed with chlorine, kerosene or even dry cleaning agents.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 4supp, March 10, 2004

Hydrogenics delivers fuel-cell stations to GM
Hydrogenics Corp. (HYG.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) (HYGS.O: Quote, Profile, Research) said it recently delivered six fuel cell test stations to General Motors`(GM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) fuel cell research facility in Honeoye Falls, New York. Hydrogenics, an Ontario-based fuel-cell developer, did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, March 09, 2004

Crackdown on cars with illegal gas kits
Delhi transport department will soon launch a drive against vehicles running on illegal LPG conversion kits. The enforcement wing of the department will soon start checking vehicles across the city, sources said. The first advice to vehicle owners is to switch over to approved LPG kit or the CNG mode. If they don’t convert within a stipulated time-frame (to be 2-3 months), the vehicle will be impounded for being hazardous. “We have asked petrol pumps to inform us about vehicles running on illegal LPG kits as they are unsafe,” transport commissioner Rajiv Talwar. Nine types of LPG kits for four wheelers have been approved by the department and can be installed at a price ranging between Rs 20,000-25,000.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, March 09, 2004, Page No. 5

Registration resumes violating HC order
The resumption of registration of heavy vehicles not fitted with speed governors is likely to trigger a controversy as the decision is in clear violation of the High Court order making speed governors mandatory for heavy duty vehicles in Kerala from February 29, 2004. A Division Bench of the Court had directed the Government on January 30 to ensure that every stage carrier and heavy transport vehicle in the State is fitted with speed governor on or before February 29, 2004.

The New Indian Express, Kochi, 1supp, March 08, 2004

$250m investment made in CNG industry - Minister
A record investment of $250 million has been made in businesses related to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in a short span of time. This was stated by Pakistan Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Chaudhry Nouraiz Shakoor while speaking at the concluding session of a two-day conference on promotion of CNG as an alternative fuel.

Dawn (Internet), Pakistan, March 07, 2004

Truckers` strike in Mumbai enters second day
About 50,000 trucks that are above eight years old stayed off the roads in Mumbai for the second day in protest against the Bombay High Court directive, which banned these trucks from plying till they convert to the eco-friendly Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The truck owners say that they are not averse to converting to CNG, but the State Government does not have adequate facilities for the conversion, including the CNG kits. Hence, they appealed to the State Government to take up the issue. According to a representative of the Mumbai Truck Owners` Association, although the High Court has given time till March next year for the conversion, it has banned these trucks from playing with immediate effect.

Business Line, New Delhi, March 06, 2004, Page No. 17

Chennai-Mumbai freight rates shoot up
The freight rate for a nine-tonne truck between Chennai and Mumbai has increased by about Rs 2,000 in the last few days. As a result, there are only a few new trucks in the Chennai market for Mumbai, creating a major demand and supply problem, said sources in the market. The Bombay High Court recently banned all petrol/diesel run vehicles that are more than eight years old from entering Mumbai. They have to be converted to CNG (compressed natural gas) or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) run vehicles to ply in Mumbai.

Business Line, New Delhi, March 06, 2004, Page No. 17

HC puts brakes on older trucks
City transporters got some relief when the Bombay High Court gave them till year-end to convert their older commercial vehicles to CNG. However, the vehicles, which are eight years or older, will not be allowed to ply till they convert. The original deadline for transporters to scrap or convert their vehicles to CNG was February. While extending the deadline till January 2005, the court laid down other conditions - vehicle owners must apply for conversion within a month, and converted vehicles will be allowed to ply on city roads only for another eight years.

The Times of India, Mumbai, March 05, 2004, Page No. 3

A cleaner city is just around the corner
Transporters may not like the idea of converting to Compressed Natural Gas or Liquified Petroleum Gas engines, but the Bombay High Court`s order gave them exactly two options: shape up or ship out.

The Indian Express, Mumbai, 1(S), March 04, 2004

May deadline for non-Delhi vehicles
The Delhi transport department decided to defer its drive against vehicles not registered in the Capital. It will now start from May 1 and not mid-March. Transport commissioner Rajiv Talwar told that a month`s time has been given to vehicle owners to get their vehicles registered in Delhi. "We will open special counters in the nine zonal offices to facilitate registration of vehicles. An awareness campaign will also be run," he said. The department has decided to relax norms for original vehicle owners. They will not have to get a "no-objection certificate" from the state where they are registered. "We will take the original registration book while issuing the new one. It will be sent to the respective state for cancellation," an official said. However, owners of second-hand vehicles will have to bring an NOC from the state of registration.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, March 04, 2004, Page No. 3

Essentials prices set to go up as truckers keep off the roads
There may be a blip in the feel-good factor for India Inc, with truckers deciding to go on strike in Mumbai. Major sectors to be hit by this move are steel, cement, chemicals, non-ferrous metals, garments, pharmaceuticals, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and engineering, among others. The prices of essential commodities are set to go up with more than 65,000 trucks keeping off Mumbai roads following the Mumbai High Court verdict asking truckers to phase out 8-year-old and above vehicles and change over to CNG/LPG fuel by December 31, 2004.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, March 04, 2004, Page No. 4

Mix `n` sell is the order of the day
On the one hand, the RTA raises a hue and cry over increasing use of kerosene-mixed petrol by auto drivers and two-wheelers, on the other, roadside vendors happily sell adulterated fuel on the sly. Opposite traffic police station near Punjagutta cross roads, Vinay boldly displays four bottles of petrol on a stool. Anyone who wants them will get it; just spend one rupee more than what you pay at petrol bunks. If you ask for oil, he will mix it for you. And if you want to take home the bottle, pay an additional Rs 10.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, 1(S), March 03, 2004

Loading of trucks to Mumbai stopped
Transporters from northern India have stopped loading trucks coming into Mumbai in anticipation of a strike call by operators in Mumbai, according to industry sources. Transporters in Mumbai are awaiting a decision by the Bombay High Court on the ban on plying of trucks more than eight years old in the city.

The Tribune, New Delhi, March 03, 2004, Page No. 2

Centre to go ahead with production of bio-diesel
In an effort to reduce air-pollution and bring down, in the long-term, fuel costs, the Centre has decided to go ahead with the production of bio-diesel. During a recent inter-ministerial meeting attended by a number of senior scienyists fromj various institutes, the first steps towards production of bio-diesel were taken.

The Statesman, New Delhi, March 03, 2004, Page No. 11

BEST gears up for competition
In a landmark move, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has decided to invite tenders for buying the chassis of its buses. A high court order, dating December 19, 2003, made it mandatory for the BEST to phase out 1,235 15-year-old buses.

The Indian Express, Mumbai, 5(S), March 02, 2004

HC disallows carrying of petrol in old vehicles
Petrol station owners in Punjab, Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh will not be able to transport fuel in tankers and carriers more than 15-year-old even if the vehicles have been issued fitness certificates by the authorities concerned.

The Tribune, New Delhi, March 02, 2004, Page No. 3

Philippines move to boost use of ‘coconut diesel’
The Philippines took steps last week on two initiatives to develop the use of coconut methyl ester and natural gas in transportation. The Philippines Department of Energy began drafting implementing rules required to launch the Government’s programme to use a blend of coconut methyl ester and diesel, or CME-diesel, as transport fuel.

Business Line, New Delhi, March 02, 2004, Page No. 11

Multivac to earn Rs 60 cr from battery-operated vehicles
Multivac India Pvt. Ltd, which has unveiled its range of battery-operated vehicles across the country, hopes to sell 10,000 units of the Pushpak e-trike range and 30,000 units of the Speedy e-bike during the fiscal 2004-05. This would translate into Rs 60-crore revenue for the company, according to the Executive Director, Mr Uday Karandikar. Addressing a press conference, he said the company is in the process of appointing distributors for sale of its range of products in the country. These products, which have been unveiled in auto expositions across the country, were largely targeted at the rural and semi-urban markets.

Business Line, New Delhi, 2, February 29, 2004, Page No. 2

Air pollution in Dhaka
Residents of the Bangladesh capital face health hazards aplenty as the air contains a variety of toxic gases whose effects intensified during a dry season, which began two months ago.

Sahara Time, New Delhi, February 28, 2004, Page No. 20

Warning to PUC centres against malpractices
The Pollution Under Control certification process devised to keep check on vehicles for pollution level will now be under scrutiny. In a meeting attended by more than 125 people manning the PUC centres in Ahmedabad city, DCP Vikas Sahaya and transport commissioner PV Trivedi warned of strict punitive action against those caught issuing PUC certificates illegally.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, February 26, 2004, Page No. 4

Conversion problems
Tuesday’s strike of autorickshaw drivers in Bangalore served to focus on the prevailing confusion among autorickshaw drivers over the transport department notification which made it mandatory for all autorickshaws registered between 1991-2003 to be fitted with LPG kits by the end of February. The notification is aimed at cleaning up the city’s air, as LPG is a cost-effective, less polluting alternative to conventional fuels. It is also an accepted fact that autorickshaws cause 50 per cent of the air pollution in the city...editorial

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, February 26, 2004, Page No. 10

Bio diesel venture in A.P.
Bio diesel is generally accepted as an eco-friendly, bio degradable product, which has wide acceptance, and can be blended with diesel in varying proportions or used as a 100 per cent replacement for conventional diesel. The first commercial venture of its kind in the country called Southern Biofe Bio Fuels is proposed to be set up in Andhra Pradesh. The plant will be extracting oil from inputs such as pongamia, jetropha, neem or rice brawn.

The Hindu, New Delhi, February 26, 2004, Page No. 18

Tata motors Zipping In With Austrian, French Future Tech
Tata Motors has entered into an agreement with Austrian company AVL GmbH and Delphi Diesel Systems SAS, France, to meet future technology requirements to power its next generation passenger vehicles. Tata Motors needs to upgrade the performance of the engines to meet the Euro IV emission norms applicable in Europe from January 2006. The engines developed under this programme would also help the company to increase its exports and access markets. Armed with this technology, the company’s range of vehicles will be able to meet the emission norms in Europe.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, February 26, 2004, Page No. 1

America’s gas guzzlers
The United Automobile Workers and the Sierra club teamed up the other day in an Op-Ed piece blasting a Bush administration proposal that would further weaken the already inadequate standards governing fuel economy for America’s cars and light trucks. This odd alliance of a trade union and an environmental group suggests that America’s ravenous appetite for gasoline could become an important issue this election year, with the situation in the Middle East serving as a daily reminder of Americans’ servitude to foreign oil (Editorial).

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, February 25, 2004, Page No. 6

City gets a breather as autos keep off roads
Against all inconveniences, Autorickshaw strike has been a blessing in disguise for Bangaloreans. For, there has been a fresh and healthy air in the atmosphere to breathe as over 60,000 autorickshaws remained off the roads from 6 am to 6 pm. According to Karnataka Pollution Control Board officials, the City recorded dust particles (Suspended Particulate Matters) as low as 100 UMg per M3 against an average of nearly 200 UMg. Officials said that autorickshaws cause nearly 50 per cent of the air pollution and it can be checked by initiating stringent pollution-control measures.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, February 25, 2004, Page No. 3

Auto drivers fret over LPG conversion kits
The auto drivers of Bangalore City, who kept off the road, have more than one grouse against the Transport Department. The drivers seem to be unaware of the prevailing prices of the government approved LPG retrofit engines (LPG kit) and are apprehensive that the existing refuel stations will not suffice the requirements of 60,000 autos in the City. According to a notification issued by the Transport Department on January 15, there are 24 approved LPG kit manufacturing companies and that the owners of the autos should mandatorily fit the approved kits.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, February 25, 2004, Page No. 1

Report on DTC buses presented
A pilot study report on Delhi Transport Corporation buses was presented to the Transport Minister, Haroon Yusuf. The report was presented by the team leader, P.C. Tamta. The report consists several important aspects of CNG buses, which were instrumental in reducing the level of pollution in Delhi.

The Hindu, New Delhi, February 25, 2004, Page No. 4 & www.hinduonnet.com

Distress sale, premium resale
Don’t be surprised if one of these mornings, you find somebody at your door asking whether you want to sell your old car rather than scrap it. Once they strike a deal, they just drive beyond city limits and sell off their new acquisition at a premium.To take advantage of the Calcutta High Court order on Bharat Stage II compliance, a group of enterprising individuals is doing the rounds of old-car addresses and persuading vehicle-owners to sell their four-wheelers before they are rendered “useless” after April.

The Telegraph, Kolkata, February 24, 2004, Page No. 17

Shanghai may relent on bicycle ban
Labeled bike-haters in a nation of cyclists, bureaucrats in China`s largest city now appear to be backpedaling. A ban on bicycles in much of this busy commercial hub`s downtown area took effect last month, drawing widespread scorn. With cars clogging city streets, residents have scoffed at suggestions that the prohibition was needed to reduce congestion. A tenfold increase in traffic fines for cyclists — punishment derided as harassment aimed at discouraging bike use — was to take effect in May.

Environmental News Network(Internet), US, February 24, 2004

World Bank help for CNG project
With public transport vehicles due to be converted from petrol and diesel to compressed natural gas (CNG), the Gujarat government is planning to seek Rs 1,500 crore assistance from the World Bank.

Business Standard, New Delhi, February 24, 2004, Page No. 4

$120 million CNG project under HDIP opposed
The Planning Commission has opposed the decision of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural resources for the implementation of $ 120 million project for CNG promotion through Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan (HDIP) and said that the project be given to the private sector. Official sources said that the Planning Commission is against the implementation of such a big project through HDIP. "We want the government to play the role of supervisor and supporter, not the implementer" an official said.

Business Recorder (Internet), Pakistan, February 24, 2004

LPG fuels auto strike tomorrow
Over 60,000 auto-rickshaws are likely to pull off the roads on Tuesday, with the Auto-rickshaw Drivers’ Union (ARDU) calling a dawn-to-dusk strike against Karnataka State government’s order on mandatory LPG kits to be used in all autos. The 12-hour strike called on February 24 will be in effect from 6 am to 6 pm, ARDU spokesperson Puttalingaiah said. “The government’s policy to mandate conversion of all autos to prescribed LPG kits before February 29 is unfair. A number of dealers have increased the prices for these kits and are taking advantage of the situation. We demand that a uniform price of Rs 12,000 be fixed for these kits, and that credit facilities be provided by the government. Besides, the government must also ensure that there are enough LPG filling stations in the city,” stated an ARDU release.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, February 23, 2004, Page No. 3

Come June, Gujarat will breathe easy with CNG
The Gujarat State government has kicked off groundwork for transition of all public transport system to the less-pollutant CNG fuel, which it says will make everyone "feel good". In a seminar organsied by the Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC) Limited in Ahmedabad, the government promised that come June, CNG will be the fuel used by autorickshaws, that now ply on anything from petrol to a deadly concotion of solvent and kerosene.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, February 23, 2004, Page No. 5

Fuel, technology key to control pollution
Experts at a workshop in Nepal on safety and emission management of vehicles stated that vehicular emission has become one of the most complicated environmental challenges. They also underlined the need to use quality fuel and improved automobile technology. The workshop was jointly organised by the Nepal Automobile Dealers` Association (NADA) and Society of Indian Automobile Manufactures (SIAM) during the second day of the third NADA Auto Show -2004.

Environment Nepal (Internet), Nepal, February 20, 2004

Go easy on the gas
After passing all technological hurdles in laboratories and during road tests, the hydrogen fueled two-wheelers are all set to enter the commercial market in India making it a pioneer in the hydrogen fueled two and three wheeler market. It is a keen alternative to petrol or diesel. "We are only waiting for industry`s initiative to kick start the manufacturing", claimed an official of the Minsitry of Non Conventional Energy Sources (MNES), which has already started talks with some auto-industries to start its commercial manufacturing.

The Statesman, New Delhi, 3supp, February 19, 2004

Gas firm eyes Haldia depot
Help from California could be at hand to clean up the Calcutta air. To implement the Calcutta High Court order on Bharat Stage II compliance for vehicles plying in and around the city, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee’s government on Tuesday started negotiations with a California-based company on having a storage unit of compressed natural gas (CNG) set up at Haldia. According to the court order, all vehicles plying in the Calcutta Metropolitan Area (CMA) will have to conform to Bharat Stage II norms within April 2004, either by changing their old engines or by switching over to CNG or liquid petroleum gas (LPG).

The Telegraph, Kolkata, February 18, 2004, Page No. 17

Fiat to unveil diesel sedan in India
The Indian unit of Italy`s Fiat Auto Spa plans to introduce a new diesel sedan in the local market in April, hoping to take advantage of a preference for diesel cars in the country. An official at Fiat India Ltd told Reuters the diesel sedan will be powered by the same 1.9 litre engine that powers its flagship Palio hatchback and the Adventure estate and will be called the Petra.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, February 18, 2004, Page No. 13

ACEEE rates model year 2004`s `greenest` and `meanest`
Amid continued public interest in fuel efficiency and growing concern about gas-guzzling SUVs, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has announced this year`s "Greenest" and "Meanest" vehicles, along with environmental scorings of all model year 2004 cars and passenger trucks. The vehicle scores are part of ACEEE`s Green Book Online, the seventh annual edition of ACEEE`s environmental guide to cars and trucks, available online at GreenerCars.com.

Environmental News Network(Internet), US, February 18, 2004

Full CNG conversion may take three years: Sinha
According to the secretary, Maharashtra has just 10 workshops, which can not retrofit the old trucks to CNG mode within a short period, which the Bombay High Court may grant by extension of deadline. The transport ministry is infuriated with the truckers and tempo-operators for not specifying the exact number of `outdated` vehicles or some solution could have been found, Rajiv Sinha, State Transport Secretary said.

The Free Press Journal, Meerut, February 17, 2004, Page No. 11

Honda to make engines for jets with ge
Honda Motor Co, Japan`s second-biggest auto maker, said it had signed a deal with General Electric Co of the United States to make engines for light business jets. Under the agreement, the two companies will develop Honda`s new HF118 turbofan jet engine, which was mounted on an experimental small business jet called the HondaJet. Honda said in December that it had succeeded in test-flying the HondaJet in the United States, taking a step toward its long-term goal of entering the aircraft business. The six-seat HondaJet is the world`s first business jet made completely by an auto maker and is powered by a lightweight, low-emission turbine engine that Honda has been developing since 1999.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, February 17, 2004

Facts on electric vehicles in nepal
Air pollution has become a major problem in Kathmandu, primarily because of the increasing number of vehicles on narrow and congested streets. Number of vehicles in Kathmandu Valley has been increasing at approximately 15.7 percent per year. Therefore an efficient transport system with clean vehicles is urgently required to combat Kathmandu’s air pollution. In this context, electric vehicles (EV), which use domestic fuel and has zero emission, has proven to be the one of the most suitable means of transportation, and there is a clear need to further promote these environment friendly vehicles.

Environment Nepal(Internet), Nepal, February 17,2004

A shade of green : SUVs try to soften their image
Can the sport utility vehicle (SUV), the bete noire of environmental advocates, be reinvented as a green machine? This year Ford and Toyota plan to sell the first two hybrid SUVs. With car-like mileage expected, the advent of hybrid SUV may change the antipathy to these vehicles among environmental advocates, even if automakers are unlikely to sell enough hybrids to significantly reduce fuel consumption or pollution any time soon.

The Times of India, New Delhi, February 17, 2004, Page No. 19

Scientists develop Prototype Reactor to produce Hydrogen
Researchers have for the first time produced hydrogen from ethanol in a prototype reactor small enough and efficient enough to heat small homes and power cars. The development could help open the way for cleaner burning technology at home and on the road.

The Statesman, New Delhi, February 14, 2004, Page No. 6

Rickshaw drivers protest against the supply of `impure` CNG
More than 1200 auto rickshaw drivers protested at the Ainik Refuelling Depot at Wadala against the alleged supply of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) containing high percentage of impurities by the depot owners, thus harming to their rickshaws and also to the environment.

The Free Press Journal, Mumbai, February 13, 2004, Page No. 13

New car emissions in the EU down by more than 10%
Carbon dioxide emissions from new cars in the EU decreased by nearly 11% between 1995 and 2002, figures from the Fourth Annual Report on CO2 Emissions from New Cars, show. Carbon dioxide emissions from new cars in the EU have decreased by over 10%. The figures, however, revealed some discrepancies between companies, with European and Japanese car manufacturers meeting their targets and the Korean companies lagging behind, but still making some reductions.

Edie (Internet), UK, February 13, 2004

Reactor turns ethanol into hydrogen
Researchers said that for the first time, they have produced hydrogen from ethanol in a prototype
reactor small enough and efficient enough to heat small homes and power cars. The development could help open the way for cleaner-burning technology at home and on the road. Current methods of producing hydrogen from ethanol require large refineries and copious amounts of fossil fuels, the University of Minnesota researchers said.

Environment Nepal(Internet), Nepal, February 13, 2004

Ethanol may offer a cleaner future
Hydrogen fuel cells have been touted as the future of clean energy, but they continue to suffer from a serious drawback – sourcing the hydrogen. The answer may be ethanol, say a group of scientists in the US and Greece.

Financial Times, London, February 13, 2004, Page No. 9

Tax-free import of German CNG compressors allowed
The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has allowed tax-free import of German-made compressed natural gas (CNG) compressors to popularise the use of environment-friendly motor vehicle fuel. The CBR has included "Bauer Compressors Germany" in the list of concessional items through an amendment in the SRO 38 (I)/98 issued. The SRO 38 (I)/98 contains the list of different types of CNG kits, cylinders, machinery and compressors for the purpose of tax-free import.

Business Recorder (Internet), Pakistan, February 13, 2004

We need better cars to check pollution: Experts
It`s not just automobile fuel, automobiles themselves need to be cleaner if we`re to stop Delhi`s air from getting progressively more toxic. Environment experts have backed a proposal to fast-track to Euro IV emission norms by supplying cleaner diesel to metropolitan India, but feel it is equally — if not more — important to have vehicles that burn fuel better and have lower evaporative emissions. However, experts feel that with a staggering 350-plus vehicles being added to the Capital`s roads every day, ULSD alone may not be able to check pollution. "Euro IV must be adopted sooner than scheduled, and both fuel quality and vehicle technology must be improved," Anmita Roy Chowdhury of CSE said.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, February 13, 2004, Page No. 5

EU cars spew out less carbon dioxide - report
European Union plans to reduce amounts of carbon dioxide belching out from new passenger cars received a boost yesterday with latest figures showing a fall of nearly 11 percent since 1995, the European Commission said. Road transport generates more than a fifth of all carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in the EU, with passenger cars responsible for more than half of the pollution. But the Commission`s latest report shows that carbon dioxide emissions fell by 10.8 percent between 1995 and 2002. The EU is aiming for a 35 percent drop by 2010 at the latest.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, February 13, 2004

Tail-pipe tactic to skip deadline
It will be "impossible" for the government to switch to Bharat Stage (BS) II norms by April 4. This is the crux of the report of the technical committee, set up by the governmetn to comply with the Calcutta High Court `clean air` deadline. On the basis of this committee`s report, submitted on Tuesday, the govenment is expected to move court seeking a pushback of the deadline till at least this September.

The Telegraph, Calcutta, February 11, 2004, Page No. 17

Prime Minister for steps to raise production and cut car prices
Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali directed the Ministry of Industries and Production to devise plan for increased production, quicker delivery and reduction of prices of locally manufactured automobiles without compromising their quality. Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali chaired the meeting of the Task Force on Automobile Sector that presented its recommendations here at the Prime Minister`s Secretariat.

Business Recorder (Internet), Pakistan, February 11, 2004

Plan panel report on hydrogen by March
Planning Commission deputy chairman K C Pant said a report on the viability of hydrogen as a major energy provider, including auto fuel, would be out by next month. "Even as other nations are looking at using hydrogen as a auto fuel, India will also look at using it as a source for generation of power," he said.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, February 11, 2004, Page No. 11

Don’t choke waiting for CNG, go straight to Euro IV: Govt study
At present, Euro IV fuel (the kind used all over Europe, US and Hong Kong) is scheduled to be introduced in India only by 2010. That, too, after the Government takes up the issue in 2006. That’s too late and not at all wise, says an unprecedented study by The Energy Resources Institute (TERI) supported by the Indian and the UK governments. The study found that Euro IV diesel is, environmentally, as good as CNG when supplied to the existing fleet of buses fitted with particulate traps. In other words, polluted cities in the country, besides the metros, need not wait for CNG to reach them if they can leapfrog to Euro IV.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, February 11, 2004, Page No. 1

Teri releases new paper on auto fuel
The Energy and Resources Institute (Teri) and transport department of the UK have jointly prepared an auto fuel document which talks of stringent emission norms, fuel choices and their feasibility and availability. The document has stressed the need of a proper policy framework to cope with increasing transport services and its impact on environment and health while ensuring easy passage of goods and services.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, February 11, 2004, Page No. 14

Govt plans to raise tax on second car
Buying a second car? Think twice. In a bid to decongest city roads, the Delhi government is thinking of raising sales tax on the second car bought by a family. The matter was discussed in Monday`s cabinet meeting when the repeal of the Delhi Tax on Entry of Motor Vehicles into Local Areas Act, 1994, was taken up. "We realised something had to be done to bring down the rate at which cars are being bought," said Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit.

The Times of India, New Delhi, February 10, 2004, Page No. 4

Italian cities ban cars as pollution soars
Authorities banned traffic from more than 100 towns and cities across Italy, including Rome and Milan, in an effort to cut growing pollution levels, city officials say. Partial blocks on cars and lorries have already been imposed in recent days in many places after health departments warned that prolonged calm weather had allowed smog to build. With no improvement in sight, mayors decided they had to force car-mad Italians off the roads with a one-day ban.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, February 10, 2004

Now, India’s own fuel cell vehicles
A three wheeler and motorcycles running on hydrogen packed at room temperature in a container that looks like a large tiffin box fitted under the seat. Sounds like a lot of gas? Or another case of herbal petrol. For a group of Benaras Hindu Universities (BHU) scientists and the ministry of non-conventional energy sources, it is a breakthrough in cutting edge fuel technology achieved after a decade long experiment.

The Times of India, New Delhi, February 08, 2004, Page No. 11

`Rich gas` troubles auto, taxi drivers
A heavier, high-energy and high-calorific value gas has upset autorickshaw and taxi drivers. The gas is being mixed with Compressed Natural gas (CNG) supplied by Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) at CNG filling stations.

The Indian Express, Mumbai, 3(S), February 06, 2004

Hydrogen car is 25 years down the road
Though the Bush administration has pegged pollution-free, hydrogen-powered cars as the way to curb the nation`s addiction to crude oil, the government`s top science advisors said the vehicles won`t be readily available for another 25 years.

The Economic Times, New Delhi, February 06, 2004, Page No. 18

Autorickshaw drivers to protest in front of CNG refuelling station
The autorickshaw drivers would protest in front of the 34 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refuelling station in the city to press their demand to the State Government for providing CNG at a lower cost.

The Free Press Journal, Mumbai, February 04, 2004, Page No. 15

SC puts brakes on older heavy vehicles
In a major blow to Mumbai city transporters the supreme court refused to extend the January 31
deadline for eight-year-old heavy vehicles to convert to compressed natural gas (CNG) or be phased out. The court also refused the Maharashtra government`s plea to stay the phase-out order passed by the Bombay high court. The apex court told the state to move the high court for any relief.

The Times of India, Mumbai, February 04, 2004, Page No. 3

RTC is 2nd highest in diesel consumption
Various measures aimed at motivating drivers and mechanics to conserve oil, helped the AP State Road Transport Corporation in achieving the second highest diesel consumption award at the national level for 2002-03.

Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabad, February 04, 2004, Page No. 8

Diesel-run vehicles are choking our cities
In 1892, when German engineer Rudolf Diesel patented the internal combustion engine which goes by his name today, he basically wanted an engine that would be better and more energy saving than the petrol-driven one recently invented at the time. He succeeded. The diesel is sometimes up to half as cheap as gasoline. And yet output efficiency of the diesel engine is nearly twice as much. In India’s bigger cities, though, this can rapidly translate into a serious environmental hazard because the average suspended particulate matter emission for diesel cars, multiutility vehicles and trucks can range from 0.08 g/km to 0.15 g/km whereas the figures are virtually negligible for petrol-driven vehicles. Add to that what the Centre for Science and Environment, an NGO campaigning for clean air in Delhi, claims is a 106 per cent annual incremental increase in diesel passenger cars since 1998-99 against a mere 12 per cent for petrol cars and you might get a sense of what is at stake.(Editorial)

The Times of India, New Delhi, February 02, 2004, Page No. 16

Old vehicles continue to ply and pollute
The transport department’s promise of a clean and green Delhi may well be all sound and fury signifying nothing. Seven years after the Supreme Court fixed 15 years as the life-span of a commercial vehicle, the department has yet to act. The result: 10,000 old vehicles pollute Delhi every day. The government initially launched a drive to phase out vehicles older than 15 years by “de-registering” them. But the exercise has ground to a halt in the past two years. Most defaulters are autorickshaws. When the Supreme Court issued the order, there were 86,000 petrol autos. Of these, 51,518 were replaced with CNG autos. Of the remaining 35,000, only 14,000 have been “de-registered”.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, February 02, 2004, Page No. 3

Report on CNG buses presented
A pilot study report on the compressed natural gas-run buses of the Delhi Transport Corporation-
containing several important aspects of CNG buses, which were instrumental in reducing the level of pollution in Delhi and getting the city a clean city award- was presented to the Speaker, Ajay Maken, by the team Leader, P.C. Tamta, at Old Secretariat.

The Hindu, New Delhi, February 02, 2004, Page No. 4 & www.hinduonnet.com

SC orders status quo on plying 8-year-old vehicles in Mumbai
The Maharshtra government filed a writ petition last week in the Supreme Court seeking extension of deadline for converting 8-year and 15-year-old transport vehicle into CNG/LPG based engine. This is first time in the last two years that local transporters received the state government’s support and the state requested the apex court to extend the deadline. The first SC hearing on the petition is scheduled for February 3. Until then, the SC’s earlier deadline of January 31, 2004 has been extended till February 3.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, February 02, 2004, Page No. 12

Govt vehicles to go on CNG power
The government seems to have realised the merits of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). A study conducted by Secretary Planning Rahul Khullar has concluded that running vehicles on CNG not means lesser pollution, but is a cheaper alternative to petrol. Last week, the Delhi government decided that all cars bought in future will run on dual mode - both CNG and petrol. The government will also retrofit CNG kit in the Ambassadors that were bought a few years ago. The report says that the cost of investing in a CNG kit —around Rs 40,000 — can be recovered in 12 to 18 months, depending on the kilometres the vehicle covers.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, February 01, 2004, Page No. 4

Report on CNG buses
A pilot study report on DTC`s CNG buses in Delhi was presented to the speaker of the Delhi assembly, Mr Ajay Maken. The report consists of several important aspects of CNG buses, its increased life, components and saving of fuel besides safety of commuters and averting disasters.

The Statesman, New Delhi, January 31, 2004, Page No. 3

Delhi govt’s new fleet to run on CNG
In an eco-friendly move, Delhi government has decided to convert all its vehicles to CNG mode. The vehicles will also have a petrol tank, as a reserve. The decision was taken at the transport department’s review meeting on January 27. Confirming the move, Transport Commissioner Rajeev Talwar said: ‘‘The vehicles currently used by Delhi government departments mostly run on petrol and some on diesel. Any new addition or replacement of vehicles will now be on eco-friendly CNG.’’ Formal orders will be issued by principal secretary (transport) shortly. There are about 1,000 vehicles and most of them are either ambassadors or Maruti gypsys being used by Delhi government officials and political executives. The move comes four years after the Supreme Court asked the government to put all its vehicles on the CNG mode.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 3supp, January 30, 2004

Govt likely to file review petition in SC on CNG issue
The state government is likely to file review petition in the Supreme Court, urging sit to extend the January 31, deadline for junking the 15 year-old vehicles and converting the same to CNG mode.

The Free Press Journal, Mumbai, January 29, 2004, Page No. 13

Truckers seek breathing room on pollution rule
In three days` time, the deadline expires for transporters with eight-year-old heavy commercial vehicles to acquire Euro-II compliant ones, convert the engines of existing vehicles to ones that use cleaner fuels - like CNG - or get off the roads altogether in Mumbai.

The Times of India, Mumbai, January 29, 2004, Page No. 3

Transporters urged to seek LPG nod
Goa State Transport Undertakings in the country seem to prefer LPG as fuel for public transport and have urged the Association of State Road Transport Undertakings to secure an approval for a change over from the central government. This demand for a switching over to LPG and its preference over over CNG came at a two-day conference held in Goa by the ASRTU and hosted by the Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited.

Herald, Panjim, January 28, 2004, Page No. 3

CNG: Truck owners curse their way to the deadline
The CNG deadline is four days away. The city`s truck and tempo owners-who have to convert from the smoky diesel system to the green fuel called compressed natural gas-are divided. The two biggest unions are ready to wait it out till the government applies for another extension of the deadline.

The Indian Express, Mumbai, 1(S), January 28, 2004

Idle funds: CM pulls up transport dept
The Delhi Transport department was pulled up by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit for poor expenditure on the planned projects. The department, sources said, has spent just about 40 per cent of the planned fund even as three-fourth of the financial year is over. The department’s planned fund size is Rs 637.88 crore, of which only Rs 260.49 crore has been spent. At the transport department’s review meeting, the officials pleaded that elections had put a speed-bump in spendings for two months. "But Dikshit said, the amount spent is too low. The department should have at least spent 50 to 60 per cent of the planned fund", divulged a source.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 3supp, January 28, 2004

HT Impact: Sheila wants diesel report
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit asked the transport department to submit a report on the impact of diesel vehicles on the city’s air. Dikshit reacted after the Hindustan Times reported that these vehicles had begun to undo some of the good work that the clean CNG fuel did in the city. The directive may result in a revival of the plan to set up vehicle fitness checking centres to monitor emissions from diesel-run vehicles.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, January 28, 2004, Page No. 4

Truckers don’t feel good: study
The trucking business has failed to look up over the past one month defying the buoyant economic activities. According to an update on the trucking business compiled by the Indian Foundation of Transport Research and Training (IFTRT), freightage has remained flat on most of the trunk routes despite increase in cost of operation due to diesel price hikes. While there has been no significant increase in industrial cargo volumes, there has been indiscriminate addition of new truck fleet, said the update.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, January 28, 2004, Page No. 3

Get diesel vehicles off Delhi roads, says CSE
In an alarming assessment, a Delhi-based NGO says Delhiites are moving away from petrol-fuelled cars towards more polluting diesel-fuelled vehicles and demands that either a fiscal policy be introduced to enforce clean diesel standards or diesel vehicles be disallowed. The Centre for Science and Environment, an NGO which has been campaigning for clean air, checked vehicle registration figures to claim there has been a "veritable explosion" in diesel passenger cars in the Capital — a 106 per cent annual incremental increase since 1998-99 against 12 per cent for petrol cars.

The Times of India, New Delhi, January 27, 2004, Page No. 8

IOC launches eco-friendly Xtrapremium
Indian Oil launched the environment-friendly Xtrapremium, India`s first 91 octane petrol with multifunctional additives specially designed for customers driving new generation cars. According to Indian Oil Corporation officials, the multifunction additives in Xtrapremium also cleans the engine, removes deposits, prevent gumming and enhances engine performance. Moreover, the combined benefits of better drivability, fuel efficiency and lower emissions simply means more driving pleasure for the customer.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, January 27, 2004, Page No. 11

BMTC buses set to take art to B`lore roads
The Bangalore Transport Department launched 50 BMTC buses that have been painted on by various artists as part of the `Courtesy Month`. The focus of this initiative is on pollution. Each artist has used a bus as his canvas and painted motifs depicting pollution. The buses will now run on their regular routes and the Transport Department is confident that the messages will reach out to more people all over the city.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, 3supp, January 26, 2004

Diesel undoing CNG’s good work in Delhi
Remember the gas chamber that was Delhi in the mid-1990s, where automobile fumes had wiped the sky clear of stars? The nightmare could return — unless we wake up fast. No eyes are watering yet, but the city`s air has, over the past several years, turned steadily foul. The reason is leapfrogging automobile sales, the primary drivers of which have been diesel-run vehicles that pollute much more than petrol-run ones. In 1998 (when the Supreme Court cracked down on vehicular pollution), 1,881 diesel-run cars came on the city`s roads; in 2003, nearly 14,000 diesel cars were registered. Sales of petrol-run vehicles have, in contrast, hit a speed bump — in 1998, some 48,000 petrol-run cars were registered; in 2003, just over 71,000 came on the roads.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, January 26, 2004, Page No. 1

Workshop on vehicular pollution begins at IIP
Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) Director Dr MO Garg recently inaugurated a one week workshop-cum-training programme on "Vehicular Pollution for Personnel of Motor Transport Department of the country" at the IIP, Dehradun. He disclosed that the institute organised such programmes regularly to create awareness among the personnel of motor transport departments on the latest developments in the area. Dr Garg informed participants that a committee headed by Dr RA Mashelkar, Director General, CSIR had already submitted a report on auto-fuel policy which the government had accepted.

Garhwal Post, Dehradun, January 25, 2004, Page No. 12

Hydrogen highway
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to speed California drivers to a future in which the most common element in the universe — hydrogen —will power their cars instead of petroleum. To wean a gas-guzzling nation from a finite supply of fossil fuels, the governor has thrown his weight behind ‘‘Hydrogen Highways,’’ an ambitious but costly plan to build a statewide network of 200 hydrogen filling stations by the end of the decade. The governor’s proposal is part of a broader effort in California and across the nation to promote hydrogen fuels, which offer the promise of cars that emit few or no air pollutants. Many environmentalists and government officials are embracing hydrogen as the technology of tomorrow.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, January 25, 2004, Page No. 19

Speed norm for heavy vehicles flawed
The maximum permissible limit for heavy vehicles, including trucks and buses, in Delhi is just 40 km per hour and the Delhi traffic police love it since it provides them an opportunity to fine offenders easily. However, the logic behind this speed limit now appears flawed in the wake of a study which indicates that emissions increase dramatically when the speed of vehicles is less.According to the study conducted by a London-based firm, in heavy vehicles, such as buses, the increase in speed actually decreased the emission per kilometre. The study noted that while the emission of carbon monoxide is 22.60 grams at 10 kmph, it decreased rapidly to 14.40 gram per km at 25 kmph and further to 8.20 gram per km at 50 km per hour.

The Hindu, New Delhi, January 25, 2004, Page No. 4 & www.hinduonnet.com

Transport system in for major overhaul
The Transport Department of the Delhi Government is on the move. Apart from ushering in reforms to upgrade the public transport system, the Department has also evolved a vision for the future with the basic thrust being on modernisation and introduction of latest technology. The concept of local transport is in for a massive change with the proposed introduction of modern, upmarket, aerodynamic, comfortable and latest colourful buses, taxis and autorickshaws plying on the Delhi roads.According to the plan approved by the Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit, the present lot of gaudy looking public transport buses in Delhi would be phased out in a systematic manner over the next few years.

The Hindu, New Delhi, January 25, 2004, Page No. 4 & www.hinduonnet.com

Government to file review petition in SC
With the assembly elections round the corner, the Maharashtra government seems to have hit upon an ingenious plan to woo the transporters who form a powerful lobby in Maharashtra.As if to please the lobby, the state government has decided to file a review petition in the Supreme Court urging it to extend the deadline for conversion of old vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mode stating that the atmosphere here is not conductive for such a transformation.

The Free Press Journal, Mumbai, January 24, 2004, Page No. 13

SC notice on spiked oil
The Supreme Court issued notices to Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and IBP, apart from the Uttar Pradesh and Haryana governments on an application alleging that adulteration of petrol and diesel, with the connivance of company officials and authorities, was a big business in the National Capital Region. Earlier, the court had issued notice to Hindusthan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) alone, but the oil company complained it could not do anything on its own unless the others involved in the problem were also impleaded. The bench, headed by Chief Justice V N Khare, gave four weeks to the parties to file their replies. The application was moved by senior counsel Harish Salve, who was acting as the ‘friend of the court’ in the case dealing with vehicular pollution in Delhi.

Business Standard, New Delhi, January 24, 2004, Page No. 8

How will you rein in jams, vehicles: court asks govt
Taking Delhi government to task for not preparing a blueprint to ensure that the Capital’s air remains pollution free, the Supreme Court asked the government to detail a strategy to control the number of vehicles and traffic congestions. The apex court, which was hearing a PILK on air pollution, took the Centre for Science and Environment’s statement of concern as interim application. The application pointed out that despite enormous effort and substantial gains following the Supreme Court’s initiative to combat air pollution, the city’s air remains polluted.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 3supp, January 24, 2004

More diesel cars sold despite threat of cancer
Despite mounting new evidence damning diesel fumes as harbingers of cancer and other deadly ailments, Delhi has registered an alarming 106 per cent annual incremental increase in registration of diesel cars since 1998-99 as against 12 per cent for petrol cars, the Centre for Science and Environment said. Pointing out that the enticing gap in the price of diesel and petrol was a key factor in this distortion, the Centre blamed the Government for not doing anything to plug the difference even as Delhi despite having the highest per capita income among all the Metros has the lowest diesel price.

The Hindu, New Delhi, January 23, 2004, Page No. 4 & www.hinduonnet.com

Experts clear the air on kids` pollutant vulnerability
It is an accepted fact that increasing air pollution is the reason behind widespread respiratory distress. But are children more vulnerable to pollutants in the air? The answer, according to Dr Chandan Ray, a Consultant paediatrician at the Bhagirathi Neotia Woman and Child care Centre, is yes.

The Statesman, Kolkata, IV, January 22, 2004

LPG for automobiles project losing steam?
The drive to promote LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) as an alternative to petrol in automobiles seems to be losing steam in the city for a combination of factors, including complaints of government apathy made by the oil industry and conversion kit dealers. A year after the city got its first auto LPG dispensing station (ALDS), "only about 700 vehicles running on gas conform to the norms," said a conversion kit dealer in south Chennai.

The Hindu, Chennai, January 22, 2004, Page No. 1 & www.hinduonnet.com

Rs 1 cr for pollution check plus inertia
Computer bug has bitten AP Pollution Control Board too. It is planning to set up a computerised centre to monitor air pollution at Punjagutta. The cost is a whopping Rs 1 crore. Understandably, many tongues are working overtime.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, 1(S), January 22, 2004

Task force report soon on bio-diesel
The task force on implementation of bio-diesel as an alternative for conventional fuel is likely to submit its report in a month. The project invloves the use of "jatropha curcas" or "ratanjot" oilseeds for extraction of oil that can be used as a fuel instead of petro diesel.

The Hindu, New Delhi, January 22, 2004, Page No. 5 & www.hinduonnet.com

Get set for taxi-less Tuesday
A Tuesday without taxis is what the Calcutta commuter is bracing for, with operators sticking to their stand of launching an "indefinite" strike to protest the court`s Bharat Stage II deadline and the government`s alleged indifference to their predicament.

The Telegraph, Kolkata, January 20, 2004, Page No. 17

CNG for urban cities
The Union Government has drawn up ambitious plans for spreading the benefits of CNG to other urban centres in India in view of expected improvement in the availability of natural gas and arrival of LNG at Dahej by the end of January.

The Hindu, New Delhi, January 20, 2004, Page No. 18 & www.hinduonnet.com

Gassed out
Call it high-handed attitude or gross miscalculation on the government`s part. As the regional transport office in Mumbai tries to implement a high court decree of ensuring conversion of heavy vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas(CNG) from diesel, the logistic problems seem unsurmountable. A similar order passed in Delhi last year and made applicable to public and private transport buses, which led to strikes and utter chaos, has ben enlarged to cover commercial vehicles as well in Mumbai.

Business India, Mumbai, January 19, 2004, Page No. 31

Breath of foul air at Victoria
Be warned, a walk on the grounds of the Victoria Memorial Hall will not fill your lungs with fresh air alone. A survey of the grounds by the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (PCB) has revealed that toxic gases, like carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), are present in the atmosphere far beyond their permissiblee limits.

The Telegraph, Kolkata, January 19, 2004, Page No. 19

Devil’s engine
The news. Nasa scientists in their recent release have confirmed that black carbon soot is causing as much as a quarter of all observed global warming. Soot warms up the air by absorbing sunlight and radiating the heat to the air. Nasa branded soot as “all-round bad actor” now understood to be twice as potent as carbon dioxide in changing global surface air temperatures in the Arctic and Northern Hemisphere. Not many noticed in the intense debate that followed how this emerging science has implicated diesel–especially after the mounting evidence of its lethal health impacts. Role of diesel soot had come to sharper focus in 2001 when the young scientist, Mark Z Jacobson from Stanford University looked into this issue. He said diesel vehicles emit about 18 per cent more carbon per gallon than do petrol vehicles. He predicted that there would be greater global warming with diesel than with petrol over the next 100 to 150 years.

The Statesman, New Delhi, January 19, 2004, Page No. 7

Report On Ethanol Pricing Likely Next Month
The Tariff Commission is expected to submit its report to the petroleum and natural gas ministry in the pricing of ethanol needed for mandatory blending of petrol in February 2004.The Commission has now received output cost data from distilleries all over the country, including those from Maharashtra. The government has also planned to set up the first ever pilot project at Rewari in Haryana for bio-diesel.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, January 19, 2004, Page No. 15

Gasohol Consumption Catching Up In States
Ethanol-blended petrol was first introduced in four districts of Andhra Pradesh.West Godavari, East Godavari, Khammam and Krishna on November 19, 2002. Later, during September 2003, the sale
of blended petrol was extended to five more districts, taking the total to nine districts in Andhra Pradesh.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, January 19, 2004, Page No. 15

AMC to buy 100 CNG-run buses
If the administrative wing has its way, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation will impose taxes to the tune of Rs 94 crore in the form of water cess, sewerage charge, water harvesting charge, special sanitation charge and parking charge. Besides, the Rs 1067.63 crore budget presented by the municipal commissioner to the standing committee also reveals plans to buy 100 CNG-run buses and convert 150 buses to CNG.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, January 18, 2004, Page No. 5

Court frowns taxis fume
Friday showed up Calcutta`s drive towards a greener future for what it was. Even as a four-legged force took over the city centre, in a protest procession by go-slow transport operators, the judiciary urged the government to be more "attentive and serious" on the matter of Bharat Stage II.

The Telegraph, Kolkata, January 17, 2004, Page No. 17

Fresh deadline set for launch
The Centre has set January 31 as fresh deadline for oil marketing companies to launch the sale of
5 per cent ethanol-blended petrol in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry.

The Hindu, Chennai, January 17, 2004, Page No. 5 & www.hinduonnet.com

Emission norms: Bengal not doing enough, says HC
The Calcutta High Court said the West Bengal Government was not doing enough to ensure that motor vehicles plying within the Kolkata metropolitan area conformed to Bharat Stage II norms. A division bench comprising the Chief Justice, Mr A K Mathur, and Mr Justice A K Banerjee, while admitting a writ petition, directed the West Bengal Government to file an affidavit in the matter.

Business Line, New Delhi, January 17, 2004, Page No. 4

BHU demonstrates H-fuelled vehicle
The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) made a further headway in the development of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles by successfully running a four-wheeler on such a fuel on the university campus. The four-wheeler has been developed by Sonalika International Cars and Motors Pvt Ltd.

The Pioneer, Lucknow, 3supp, January 16, 2004

Waiting to inhale? You are inhaling more pollutant
The twin ciities are wheezing away. They can now lay claim to an unwanted upsurge-of respiratory diseases, that too not less than 30 per cent. Doctors say that 70 per cent of these cases are due to rise in industrial and vehicular pollution. No wonder! Every year, 1.25 lakh vehicles are added to the already existing 15 lakh.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, 1(S), January 14, 2004

Traffic restraint scheme is theoretical, say experts
Can numbers solve Mumbai`s peak-hour traffic chaos? A proposed traffic-restraint scheme, if implemented by the state government, could help decongest roads in south Mumbai. According to the scheme, private vehicles would be banned from the roads on particular days in accordance with the last digit of their registration numbers.

The Times of India, Mumbai, January 14, 2004, Page No. 3

Autos to keep off roads on Jan 20
Auotrickshaws will stay off city roads on January 20 to demand that the minimum fare should be raised to Rs 10 with a hike of Rs 6 per kilometre instead of the prevailing rate of Rs 5, president of the Mumbai autorickshaws`s union Sharad rao announced.

The Times of India, Mumbai, January 14, 2004, Page No. 3

Praj bags 2 contracts for fuel ethanol plants in Colombia
The New Year celebrations seem to have started a little earlier for the Pune-based Praj Industries Ltd, solution providers for the distillery and brewery industry. Talking to presspersons, Mr Pramod C. Chaudhari, Chairman and Managing Director, Praj Industries, said the company has finalised contracts for two green-field fuel ethanol plants in Colombia. It has also been awarded a contract for a large-sized ethanol plant based on molecular sieve dehydration technology for installation in Central America. The order worth for the three projects is $15 million, he said.

Business Line, New Delhi, January 14, 2004, Page No. 2

Pak wants CNG bus, India offers diesel, too
Pakistan is keen to import CNG technology and CNG-run vehicles from India and is expected to hold talks with the Indian petroleum secretary B K Chaturvedi in two days.

The Economic Times, New Delhi, January 14, 2004, Page No. 1

Clean air, fatter pockets: LPG rules the roads now
It comes with twin bonanza – reduction in pollution and more savings for vehicle users. No wonder, LPG as a substitute for petrol as fuel is in much demand in the twin cities of Hyderabad, at least for the latter reason, if not for the former! It is estimated that over 1,300 cars and 200 auto-rickshaws ply on LPG here –all on a dual fuel system. Many taxi owners too go for LPG. The Central Government, through an amendment to Section 52 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 has legalized on August 11, 2000 the use of LPG as alternative fuel. Thus, any alteration to the engine to use this fuel is allowed.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, January 13, 2004, Page No. 1

Who bells RTC pollution? Not RTA for sure
This fight has transcended the roads. The warring parties are the APSRTC and the Road Transport Authority, of Andhra Pradesh, and the bone of contention, pollution. RTC’s pollution under control certificate is not binding on RTC for the simple reason that the latter monitors its buses on its own and gives clean chits to all. “RTC has been issuing the PUC certificate to its buses even though some vehicles are known to let out black smoke,” says RTC official CLN Gandhi.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, January 13, 2004, Page No. 1

Bicycles squeezed out as Chinese step on gas
It was a milestone of sorts when Shanghai, China’s biggest city, banned bycycles on its largest avenues last month, but also a belated acknowledgment of a change that has already transformed many large cities in China. Automobile sales in China, which reached two million last year, are growing at an annual rate of more than 50 percent. The growth of private car ownership has brought with it a car culture that increasingly resembles the American one, but with even worse traffic jams, especially in Beijing.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, January 12, 2004, Page No. 3

Govt fuels pollution!
In a city which alternates between gasp and choke, the question of the biggest violator of anti-pollution norms provides a shockingly stark answer. For, with as many as 698 sarkari vehicles yet to be converted to CNG mode plying on the roads, it is the Delhi government itself which stands guilty of flouting the very norms it seeks to implement. "If government vehicles are put through rigorous pollution tests, a majority of them will fail to meet stipulated norms," maintains a senior official of the transport department.

The Times of India, New Delhi, 1(s), January 12, 2004

PUC certificates checked during drive, not actual emissions
Yet another drive of the Delhi government to check polluting vehicles came to an end this week. Though over 3,000 vehicles were checked for the Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, not a single one was tested for actual tail pipe emission. Which means if a vehicle’s emissions were above norms but its PUC certificate was in order, it was let off. Every time a drive is announced, one sees long queues of vehicles in front of centres issuing PUC certificates. Car owners, however, have no way of ascertaining whether the certificates given by the operator are correct or not.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, January 12, 2004, Page No. 3

Networked PTCs to help curb pollution
A small but definitive beginning has been made to monitor emission levels of automobiles at different pollution testing centres in the city. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, in partnership with the State Transport Department, launched the networking of pollution test centres.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, 1(S), January 10, 2004

Pollution awareness drive to hit the road
Taking up pollution awareness to the streets as a campaign, the Transport Department is all set to organise a ‘Courtesy Month,’ from January 14 in Bangalore. The department will hold various programmes for a month to educate people about causes and impact of environmental pollution.
Administering an oath of protecting the environment to school and college students, a humour meet, competitions like elocution, quiz, and street plays, exhibition of banners and posters, screening of documentaries, cultural programmes and checking of vehicles are part of the campaign, said Mr I M Vittala Murthy, transport commissioner, at a press conference. Artistes, environmentalists, non-government organisations (NGOs), resident welfare associations, driving school personnel and garage owners will take active part in the programme.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, January 10, 2004, Page No. 3

CNG to clear A`bad air by yera-end; Vadodara next in line
The stage has been set to introduce CNG in a big way by this year-end in Ahmedabad. This will be followed by similar conversions to take place in Surat and Vadodara . Apart from being pollution-free, the fuel is 50% cheaper. Official sources say that once the Gujarat Motor Vehicles (Use of Clean Fuel) Regulation Bill comes into force in April 2004, nearly 50,000 autorickshaws of Ahmedabad, 1,000 state transport (ST) buses, mainly those plying between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, as also 600 Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) buses will be converted into CNG, a gren fuel within three years.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, January 10, 2004, Page No. 5

How Japan’s second-hand cars make their way to third world
Fueled by Japan’s increasingly sophisticated used-car market and a hunger for cheap, reliable vehicles in developing countries an auto-export revolution is taking shape. The value of second hand car shipments from Japan for the first nine months of 2003 jumped 30% to $2 billion from the same period in 2002. Used-car exports from Japan will likely top a record one million vehicles in 2003, according to the Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association. That’s about the number of new BMWs sold globally last year.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, January 09, 2004, Page No. 7

CNG-powered van gutted, LPG tanker overturns
A CNG-powered Maruti van was gutted in a fire which broke out following a leak from the gas kit. However, the five occupants of the van escaped unhurt: they clambered out of the vehicle to safety. According to a report, the incident occurred on the Sonepat-Murthal road, about five km from the
city, when the Maruti van was on its way to Sonepat. By the time the gas leak was detected, the engine of the van had caught fire.

The Tribune, New Delhi, January 09, 2004, Page No. 1(S)

Car sales power to new record
New car sales in Britain set a new record of almost 2.6 million in 2003, the Society of Motor
Manufacturers and Traders says, but it warns that 2004 will be a tougher year for car makers. It said the new total, a rise of 0.6 percent from 2002`s record figure, was driven by a strong economy, low interest rates and a host of new models but that rising interest rates this year would probably brake sales to around 2.5 million. Sales of diesel-engined cars continued to surge and have doubled since 2000, taking a record 27.3 percent of the new car market during 2003. The Ford Mondeo was the best-selling diesel car.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, January 08, 2004

Govt. reluctant to convert its fleet to CNG
While the Sheila Dikshit Government has been harping on its "Clean Delhi - Green Delhi" slogan asking Delhiites to adopt it in letter and in spirit, observers here point out that the Government`s own track record on the matter is debatable. It has shown little inclination to implement the same norm for its own fleet of polluting vehicles. In fact, the Delhi Cabinet has been looking for new vehicles for the Chief Minister and her ministerial colleagues, conveniently forgetting its own "contribution" to the deteriorating environment in the Capital.

The Hindu, New Delhi, January 08, 2004, Page No. 3 & www.hinduonnet.com

Cummins to phase out polluting engines
Cummins India Ltd (CIL) will phase out those engines which do not meet the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) norms which come into effect from January 1 and July 1, 2004. This follows the launch of its eco-friendly engines, the C and N14 series.

The Economic Times, New Delhi, January 08, 2004, Page No. 7

Double decker buses to continue to ply
The New Year brings in new rays of hope and this year being no different the Brihan Mumbai Electrict Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) in a major move announced that the much loved ‘Double Decker’ buses of the undertaking also known as the ‘Identity of Mumbai’ will not be phased out.

The Free Press Journal, Mumbai, January 07, 2004, Page No. 13

Panjim has no authorised PUC centre
Motorists beware! The capital city of Panjim has no authorised centre to issue Pollution Under Control Certificates for vehicles. At least one centre continues to issue PUCs and no action is being taken against it despite the Transport Department lodging a complaint with the police.

Herald, Panjim, January 06, 2004, Page No. 1

VW and ADM in alliance for fuel research
Volkswagen and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) agreed a joint research project into biodiesel fuels for the automotive industry. They said it was world’s largest carmakers had joined forces with a global agricultural group to develop clean, renewable fuels. Biodiesel fuels combine diesel petroleum with natural substances such as rapeseed or soybean oil and can be used in conventional diesel engines. They reduce harmful emissions substantially.

Financial Times, London, January 06, 2004, Page No. 20

POISONED PLANET
Today, the air is dangerously polluted with some poison, thereby posing a serious challenge to our survival. In its annual report for 2001-02, the Central Pollution Control Board has reported that the situation on air pollution in the four metropolitan cities and also in Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Hyderabad is alarming. The situation in 21 other cities is worse. It is reported that the critical levels of respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) and suspended particulate matter (SPM) have been causing extreme pollution in these cities. The Centre for Science and Environment has projected that the percentage change in the levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, benzene and particulate matter in the Delhi’s atmosphere would vary between 42 and 51 per cent by 2015.

The Statesman, New Delhi, January 06, 2004, Page No. 8

TVS Motor seeks to patent new engine technology
TVS Motor Company has sought a patent for the technology it has developed for its latest vehicle, the TVS Centra. The engine technology, which the company calls `VTi` (for variable timing intelligent), has three components in it — friction reduction, better combustion and lesser fuel wastage reduction. Company officials told Business Line on Monday that while friction reduction was not patentable (the use of teflon is "obvious"), the other two could be patented.

Business Line, New Delhi, January 06, 2004, Page No. 2

Gas-electric SUVs trade fuel economy for size, power
For consumers considering a new car, 2004 promises to bring a new breed of gasoline-electric hybrids: fuel-sipping sport-utility vehicles that Toyota Motor Corp. executive Jim Press likens to ‘eating a rich chocolate souffle without any of the calories. A trio of hyrbid SUVs this year from Toyota and Ford Motor co., expected to be unveiled this week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, offer V6 or V8-like acceleration with the fuel economy of a compact car.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, January 06, 2004, Page No. 7

98376 vehicles challaned till Nov-end
Under the drive launched against illegal plying of vehicles in Uttar Pradesh, 2,73,319 vehicles were checked till November end in the current financial year of which 98,376 were challaned. As many as 4,296 vehicles were challaned for violating polluting norms.

The Pioneer, Lucknow, 2supp, January 05, 2004

Diesel vehicle owners distort PUC checks
It is a proven fact that diesel vehicles pollute most as compared to vehicles running on other
fuels. However, only 20 percent of the vehicles booked by the enforcement officials in the ongoing campaign for possessing invalid pollution under control (PUC) certificates are diesel vehicles. ‘During the test, most drivers do not press the accelerator comletely so that less smoke makes the reading show less pollutants’, said Anumita Roychowdhary, associate director, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).

The Times of India, New Delhi, January 05, 2004, Page No. 2

Automatic air monitors at key crossings
In a move to monitor air quality in the city, the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBCB) has decided to introduce an automatic atmosphere-monitoring system. The board has imported a sophisticated machine, worth Rs 1 crore, the first of its kind in eastern India, with financial assistance from the Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC).

The Telegraph, Kolkata, January 03, 2004, Page No. 19

SPM levels low this December: CPCB study
Delhi is breathing cleaner air this winter. A comparison between the data on the ambient air quality in December, 2002 and 2003, shows a considerable dip in the level of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the air this year. According to a study that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) conducted between December 1-24 this year at the ITO intersection, the highest SPM level was recorded at 400 micrograms per cubic metre of air. Anumita Roychowdhury, associate director, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said: "It’s good news that the SPM levels have shown such an appreciable dip. There is, however, a long way to go before Delhi air can be called clean in the right sense."

The Times of India, New Delhi, January 02, 2004, Page No. 4

Drive against vehicular pollution from today
Even as indisciplined Blueline buses, unscrupulous autorickshaw drivers and reckless commercial vehicles continue to operate with impunity on Delhi`s roads, the Delhi Government is launching another of its "regular" drives from New Year`s Day to check pollution levels of private and commercial vehicles. The weeklong drive will target commercial and private vehicles. Special squads have been formed that would be deployed on Delhi roads during the next one week to check vehicles for pollution-related violations.

The Hindu, New Delhi, January 01, 2004, Page No. 4 & www.hinduonnet.com

Prepare for car pollution checks
New year`s eve saw people line up at petrol pumps to get pollution under check (PUC) stickers for their vehicles. The transport department has threatened to begin its PUC checking drive from January 1. But the three-month validity of a sticker angered motorists. However, Sunita Narain of the Centre of Science and Environment (CSE) called for an entire revamp of the system. "These norms were set way back in 1981. The Delhi government should not wait for the Centre to impose stricter norms and should have new ones," she said.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, January 01, 2004, Page No. 3

Goodbye to quality gasoline imports
While the general trend in world is to use better quality and better-purified gasoline, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is moving in the opposite direction by planning to import low quality diesel. Chairman Daham Wimalasena in a letter dated December 24, 2003 and titled `Implementation of Emission Related Standards for auto diesel and super diesel effective 1st January 2004`, addressed to the Environment and Natural Resources Rukman Senanayake states that `at this stage the CPC will not be importing auto diesel and super diesel to suit the revised specifications as the prices of those fuels are very high in the international market`.

Daily Mirror (Internet), Sri Lanka, January 01, 2004

Introduction of environmentally friendlier catalytic converter
Environmental protection is a global challenge, that involves the entire planet. Climates do not stop at country borders. Polluted air drifts across them and contaminated river waters flows through many lands on its way to the ocean, badly effecting human beings and fauna and flora all around the world. The quality of the air is an issue that affects us all. Most of the people do not realize the considerable physical effects poor air quality can have on them. Since the industrial revolution, world air quality has dramatically declined.

Daily News (Internet), Sri Lanka, January 01, 2004

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