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images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Time to bow out, Mr Ram Naik by Hari Jaisingh
The entire nation has been watching with dismay and disgust the naked show of political games of favouritism, nepotism and shdy practices of the Union Petroleum Ministry headed by Mr Ram Naik. Equally disquieting has been the obvious insensitivity of the powers- that-be to the startling disclosure of allotment of petrol pumps and gas agencies to his partymen, loyal functionaries and power sharing co-brothers.Apparently, at play is big money on the part of unscrupulous persons and petroleum companies in connivance with those in authority who are supposed to set things right for the public good.The observation by the Centre for Science and Environment on how intelligently adulteration of petrol and diesel is done to reap lucrative profits at the cost of users is nothing but a national shame.
The Tribune, New Delhi, 11th August, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Adulterated diesel supply up due to drought
With several states reeling under drought and farmers resorting to increased use of diesel for irrigation purposes, there is a spurt in adulteration of the popular fuel. According to the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), diesel retail outlets indulge in intelligent adulteration, making it almost impossible to detect it. For instance the CSE had undertaken an independent inspection of fuel adulteration in Delhi a few months ago. It reported that the government owned fuel testing laboratory in New Delhi gave a clean chit to decoy diesel samples that CSE deliberately contaminated with 10 to 20 per cent kerosene to check if the lab would catch it.
The Tribune, New Delhi, 10th August, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) No rains to clean muck in air, SPM levels rise
The increasing prices of vegetables aren't the only thing affecting Delhiites as a result of delayed rains. The pollution levels in the city have showing an alarming rise because the rains, whict act as the biggest cleanser of the air, are playing truant.Monitoring done by the Central Pollution Control Board(CPCB) at the ITO intersection show that the levels of Suspended Particulate Matter(SPM) - a key pollutant - have reached alarming levels in the past few days.Says Sunita Narain, director, Centre for Science and Environment:"Studies over the Indian Ocean show that there is a huge cloud of dust hanging in the air and that could be disturbing the weather systems causing decrease in rainfall."
The Indian Express, New Delhi, 30th July, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Safety norms row leaves many fuming
The Supreme Court's stand that retrofited Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses should be meet the latest safety norms, has led to all parties involved pointing fingers at each other.The first draft of safety norms for CNG vehicles were notified on February 9, 2000. However, CNG buses conforming to these norms started plying only from April 2001.Revised safety norms were notified on November 19, 2001.It was supposed to come into effect on May 18 this year, but the Union transport ministry deferred the implementation of the new norms for conversion firms by six months."How can the government allow the proliferation of CNG buses without metting the revised safety norms?" said Centre for Science and Environment director Sunita Narain.
The Times of India, New Delhi, 30th July, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Ban on heavy vehicles can reduce pollution by 55%
Banning vehciles that do not adhere to Euro II norms is a proposition promising enough. Research shows that prohibiting these vehicles from plying can lead to a 55 per cent cut in the pollution level.According to a study carried out by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), if the 65,000 non-Euro II- compliant trucks and goods vehicles are removed from the Capital's roads, the emission level would drop from 1,700 tonnes to 800 tonnes, a reduction of nearly 55 per cent.
The Tribune, New Delhi, 22nd July, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) 13th CNG bus on fire, no norms yet
With another CNG bus catching fire today (13th within a year) the need for implementing safety norms has once again emerged."A recent evaluation of safety-related engineering isues doen by international experts in Delhi and commissioned by us, shows that there are serious lapses and compromises in safety features, mainly in converted buses, which are going undetected due to lack of inspection," said Sunita Narain of the Centre for Science and Environment.
The Indian Express, New Delhi, 18th July, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Ban on polluters lauded
The combined move to barring entry of polluting trucks and other goods vehicles, allowing entry only to Euro II compliant vehicles, and mandating only Euro II compliant city fleet will reduce total particulate matter emissions from all vehicles in Delhi by nearly 25 per cent and provide the citizens cleaner air to breathe in.Lauding the July 15 directives of the Supreme Court on trucks and goods vehicles plying in Delhi, the Centre for Science and Environment has stated that nearly 65,000 trucks and other goods vehicles will be barred from entering Delhi after the court order is enforced.
The HIndu, New Delhi, 17th July, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Without rain, pollutants stay put over city
According to data available with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), levels of respiratory suspended particulate matter (RSPM) in the city have been on the rise since the beginning of the month and the culprit according to them is the rains. "The quantity of particulate matter in the atmosphere is related to weather conditions. It is so hot and still that the pollutants just don't move," explains Sunita Narain of the Centre for Science and Environment.
Indian Express, New Delhi, 17th July, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) If trucks go Euro II, Delhi can take off masks
The apex court's order banning trucks which don't follow Euro II norms from entering Delhi will create more than just a breath of fresh air. If all trucks plying in Delhi switch to Euro II, particulate matter emissions will go down by almost 75 per cent by 2015 and 17 per cent by 2003, says the Centre for Science and Environment.
The Indian Express, New Delhi, 16th July, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Govt. to change gears in anti-pollution drive
Disturbed by recent allegations that some ill-quipped Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) issuing centres across the Capital are making a mocjery of the whole anti-pollution drive, the Delhi Government is all set to introduce an altogether new regime. Talking to The Hindu, the Delhi Transport Minister, Ajay Maken, said the Government had held several rounds of discussions with the Centre for Science and Environment in order to update itself on the latest requirements in an endeavour to reduce pollution originating from vehicles.
The Hindu, New Delhi, 9th July, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Pollution still not under control
If you thought that your duty as an environmentally sensitive citizen ended with pasting a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate on your car, think again. Your vehicle is still emitting gaseous exhausts which affect the environment, but which are not checked when you are granted the PUC certificate. "The existing norms are extremely las as harmful elements -including hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter - are not taken into account, says chief of Centre of Science and Environment's air pollution unit Anumita Roy Chaudhary.
The Pioneer, New Delhi, 9th July, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Delhi still gets deadly diesel dose
Some 60,000 trucks trundle throough Delhi every day.They are poorly maintained, run on high sulphur diesel and are the cause of air pollution."The trucks use diesel with 2,500 ppm (particles per million) sulphur. This means the sulphur content is five times more than the 500 ppm diesel we use here," says Sunita Narain, director of Centre for Science and Environment(CSE).
The Times of India, New Delhi, 5th July, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) PUC checks based on wrong premise
As thousands of vehicles in the city line up for pollution checks, experts say that the entire anti-pollution drive may not bring down pollution levels.A vehicle test while taking a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate can still be brazenly polluting.Centre for Science and Environment director Sunita Narain says:"The Society for Indian Automobile Manufacturers has sold this idea of installing these snazzy equipment which take the photograph of the number plate to the government.They are trying to shift the onus from the manufacturers to the consumers. They should have focused on is tightening emission norms and finalising the testing procedure."
The Indian Express, New Delhi, 03rdJuly, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Centre to tighten emission norms
The Union Ministry for road transport and highways has okayed the environment ministry's proposal to raise the standards for checking vehicular emission.The new norms are likely to be notified soon. This moves comes close on the heels of the Delhi state government's drive to scrutinise pollution under control (PUC) certificates, scheduled to begin from July 1."The existing emission analysers need not be upgraded for measuring the hydro-carbons," said Lopamudra Banerjee, researcher with air pollution control unit of Centre for Science and Environment.
The Times of India, New Delhi, 27th June, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) IGL gets ready for competition from LPG
Emboldened by the increased allocation of natural gas, Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL), sole supplier of compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG), is gearing up to face competition from liquefied petroleum gas(LPG).Centre for Science and Environment director Sunita Narain says: "It makes sense for IGL to use its infrastructure to the hilt and the increased gas allocated for the transport sector."
The Times of India, New Delhi, 24th June, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) 100% pure fuel in Capital to be a reality soon
By the end of the year, 40 petrol pumps in the National Capital region of Delhi will probably supply "100 per cent" adulteration-free fuel.Although, the Capital boasts of minimal levels of adulteration as compared to other cities, the Centre for Science and Environment had in a communication to the Government called for "strict vigilance."
The Pioneer, New Delhi, 21st June, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Delhi stirs fuel options, look hard at LPG
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) may well be notified as a clean fuel for vehicles in Delhi. The state government is working out a plan to set up more filling stations to promote the green fuel.Several private companies, including oil major Reliance Petrochemicals, have approached the state transport ministry for permission to supply and dispense LPG for the transport sector. Centre for Science and Environment director Sunita Narain says: "LPG is definitely a cleaner fuel than CNG. But it's difficult to handle."
The Times of India, New Delhi, 19th June, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Pollution checking centres to be improved
With defaulting vehicles told to get a Pollution Under Control certificate by 30 June, it is a busy time at several PUCC centres dotted all over the city. But, with the system itself in shambles, it requires a major overhaul to bring it out of its comatose state.Recently, the Delhi government had asked the Centre for Science and Environment to suggest ways "as to how its PUCC centres can be improved".
The Statesman, New Delhi, 9th June, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Environment is no luxury but survival
Director of Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) Ms Sunita Narain today said environmental is not a luxury but a matter of survival in India. Presenting her key note address in a function organized by People's Empowerment Mission in collaboration with UNESCO and CSE in Srinagar to mark the World Environment Day, Ms. Narain said environment sustainability is a key to the economic growth of the country.   
The Kashmir Times, Jammu, 7th June, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Delhi's pace on CNG road is record-setting: Experts
Experts are back to assess the situation and review the safety issues regarding CNG and chalk out a framework of standards and inspection systems. And their judgment is mildly heartening. About a year back, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) had brought out a status report on the implementation of CNG conversion with the help of international experts in the field.
The Indian Express, New Delhi, 7th June, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) City has greatest number of CNG buses in world
Delhi has 5,500 CNG buses, making the city the only in the world with such a large number of CNG buses, claimed experts at the Centre for Science and Environment.The Delhi transport ministry plans to add 1,000 more buses to the fleet in view of the Supreme Court ruling ordering conversion of all public transport to CNG.
The Asian Age, New Delhi, 7th June, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Stress on safety of CNG vehicles
A panel of the Centre for Science and Environment has recommended tighter supervision and checks and balances to improve the safety of compressed natural gas (CNG) transport vehicles in the capital.The CSE panel has urged the government to create an independent safety office within the Delhi Transport Ministry to carry out 'root cause' evaluation of accidents and hazardous conditions."This office should diagnose the problems, define solutions, and follow up to ensure that these solutions are put in place," the CSE panel study said.    
Business Line, New Delhi, 7th June, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Policy-makers immune to high vehicular pollution
Environmentalists seem more conscious and concerned about vehicular pollution in the Capital than policy makers. Though vehicular pollution contributes 70 per cent of the ambient air pollution, government mechanism to check emission appears to be defunct.The over 100 pollution control officers do not check vehicular pollution.Sunita Narain of Centre for Science and Environment says that banning 15-year-old two-wheelers will not suffice."We will have to work on the use of two-stroke petrol engines. he catalytic convertors installed in two-stroke engines have a life of two years. But after two years no one cares to replace the convertor.The government should evolve a system to ensure that the convertors are replaced."
Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 3rd June, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) LPG may be the answer for fuel - thirstry Delhi
LPG has become 'the' alternative fuel for private vehicles.The reason lies not just in their economical advantage over conventional fuel, but also in its relatively "loose" legal status."There is still no detailed rules on the subject of conversion of kits. There have to be standards on each component from the fuel tank to the engine constituent, which there are none," said Centre for Science and Environment's Ms Lopamudra Banerjee.
The Statesman, New Delhi, 2nd June, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) CNG pipeline faces Defence bulwark
Indraprastha Gas Limited is finding it difficult to reduce queues of vehicles at its compressed natural gas filling stations across the Capital since work on its main feeder line has been stalled in West Delhi because the Defence authorities have not yet given their formal approval.
The Hindu, New Delhi, 31st May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Metro loco emission to be lower than Euro II norms
The capital-based metro railways corporation has issued first of its locomotive orders to Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited. The choice evidently zeroed in on the engineering mega-house after scrutiny among many other international contenders for the supply of the locos. These locos will have extremely low emission levels, lower even than Euro II norms. And that makes the company proud. The locos will not be immersed in conventional oil, will have deck-type design, flexible to mount various equipment and stage-air filtration .
The Times of India, New Delhi, 31st May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Blended auto fuel
A government decision to encourage the use of ethanol as a blending agent with gasoline made some months ago has a number of positive implications still. Its implementation has acquired a certain sense of urgency. Oil prices are on the rise globally. There is a serious talk of building up an oil reserve,
The Hindu, New Delhi, 30th May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) DTC re-structuring panel set up
The Delhi Cabinet on Monday formed a core committee for internal restructuring of the Delhi Transport Corporation and also approved purchase of 1,000 CNG buses for DTC. It has also been decided to allow private parties, having at least 50 CNG buses, to ply on selected routes at a predecided fare. DTC will invite expressions of interest from the private companies having at least 50 CNG buses.
The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 28th May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Govt's nod for 1000 CNG buses for DTC
After a month's delay, the Delhi state government has decided to place orders for 1000 new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses for Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). On 27th May, the Delhi state cabinet endorsed the DTC's proposal for 1000 new CNG buses.
The Times of India, New Delhi, 28th May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Seminar on use of CNG as automotive fuel
The Assam State Centre of the Institution of Engineers (India), is organising an all-India seminar on 'application of compressed natural gas (CNG) as an automotive fuel' on May 31 at its premises in Panbazar in Guwahati. The seminar is being organised to identify and explore the performance characteristics and emission standards of engines run on CNG to appreciate its role as an alternative clean fuel in the light of feedback received from users and producers of CNG.
The Assam Tribune, Guwahati, 24th May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) CNG crisis will ease in 2004: Naik
CNG supply for the Capital's transport sector will improve substantially in January 2004, when the LNG terminal, being set up LNG Petronet at Dahej in Gujarat will commence functioning in December, 2003, Petroleum Minister Ram said today. He said the LNG terminal, having the capacity to handle five million tonnes per annum LNG a year, will also meet the demand of the industry.
The Indian Express, New Delhi, 25th May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) HPCL all set to retail auto LPG in city
After much dilly-dallying, the government has finally cleared LPG for use as auto fuel. State-owned Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.(HPCL) will be retailing LPG at a price of Rs 15.50 per litre in Mumbai and Rs 17.10 per litre in Delhi. However the price is based on import price parity applicable for the current month with no subsidy element as in domestic gas. The conversion kit is priced at Rs 23,000 for carburator cars, while it is Rs 14,000 for autorickshaws.
The Indian Express, Mumbai, 24th May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Saathi puts spokes in CNG bus purchase
The proposed purchase of 1,000 new CNG buses by the Delhi Transport Corporation has run into rough weather following objections raised by the Finance Department. the Department has taken a serious note of DTC's failure to spell out a clear cut strategy on utilisation of the new fleet and specify if adequate trained staff was available to run these new buses. The issue had come up for discussion at a meeting taken by Finance Minister, Mahinder Singh Saathi on Wednesday. It is understood that Mr. Saathi conveyed his displeasure on the failure of the DTC to come out with a strategy paper despite the fact that the priorities in this regard had been spelt out in the budget and subsequently mentioned in various meetings.
The Hindu, New Delhi, 24th May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Small-size CNG kits cause for long queues
One of the reasons for the long queues of auto-rickshaws is the small size of CNG kits, which have limited the amount of gas taken during refills. This was stated in a CNG filling station management report, commissioned by the sole CNG supplier, Indraprastha Gas Limited.
The Statesman, New Delhi, 24th May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) CPCB seeks police help on leaf burning
Despite a notification from the Delhi Lt-governor's office banning burning of dry leaves, the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) has been unable to curb the practice.And since the practice persists in almost every locality, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has written to Delhi Police commissioner, seeking police help in enforcing tghe ban.The practice is so pervasive that every neighbourhood suffers from it. Anumita Roychowdhury of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said although there is little research on the relative contribution of various sources of pollution, domestic waste - which includes dry leaves - is said to be about 6 to 7 per cent of pollution.   
The Times of India, New Delhi, 23rd May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Mahindra & Mahindra mulls eco-friendly vehicles division
Mahinra & Mahindra (M&M) is currently working out the modalities for the setting up of an alternative technologies division. The division will focus on eco-friendly vehicles and solar energy projects. The setting up of this division follows the amalgamation of its subsidiary Mahindra Alternative Technologies (MATL) with itself.
The Financial Express, New Delhi, 22nd May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) 5 lakh vehicles, high pollution: Govt. may opt for CNG in city
The Assam Transport Department appears to be thinking of going for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel in the city to reduce the atmospheric pollution level. The move follows the Supreme Court's April 5, 2002, order directing State Governments to use CNG fuel instead of petroleum in cities where the pollution level is high.
The Sentinel, Guwahati, 21st May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Delhi plans to restructure transport corp.
The Delhi government is drawing up an ambitious plan to restructure the state owned Delhi Transport Corporation, including dividing the loss-making body into three corporations and leasing buses to private operators. The plan includes creating separate corporations for interstate buses, the city fleet and maintenance, Delhi transport minister Ajay Maken said.
Business Standard, New Delhi, 20th May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) L-G approves fare hike
The Delhi Lieutenant-Governor, Vijai Kapoor, has finally approved Delhi cabinet's proposal for an 18 per cent hike in fares of buses, autorickshaws and taxis, following a 38 per cent hike in the price of CNG.The notification regarding the new fares is to be issued tomorrow by the Delhi Government, paving way for transporters to legally charge the new fares.
The Hindu, New Delhi, 18th May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Naik refuses to roll back CNG price hike
The Union Petroleum and Natural gas Minister, Ram Naik, has turned down the request of the Delhi Chief minister, sheila Dikshit, for a roll back in the price of CNG fuel, stating that the Indraprastha gas Limited was an independent entity and not governed by his Ministry.
The Hindu, New Delhi, 17th May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) CNG supply to Maruti to be cut
To meet the current CNG requirement of public transport in Delhi, 50 per cent of the supply to Maruti Udyog limited meant for captive power generation has been cut, the Lok sabha was informed on Thursday. To meet further requirement of CNG, supply to other industries may also be curtailed in due course.
The Asian Age, New Delhi, 17th May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Leyland resumes CNG chassis production at Alwar plant
Ashok Leyland Ltd. has assumed production of CNG chassis at its Alwar plant after a gap of more than 100 days. The company stopped producing CNG chassis after the inventory level crossed 1000 units in January 2002.
Business Standard, New Delhi, 17th May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Delhi Bank floats scheme for CNG bus
The Delhi State Cooperative Bank has introduced a new scheme financing CNG buses and also for conversion kits for diesel buses for converting them into the CNG mode. Besides, the bank has also decided to open five new branches in rural areas in the coming year for giving a fillip to the cooperative movement in the capital. It was announced by Delhi ministers of development Haroon Yusuf at a press conference on Wednesday.
The Asian Age, New Delhi, 16th May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) DTC yet to place order for CNG buses after SC ruling
Delhi government and private bus operators have left no stone unturned in their attempt to display their sincerity towards CNG. They have declared ad nauseum that they are committed to the cause of cleaner air in the Capital. But they can't help it if CNG bus chassis is not unavailable.
The Indian Express, New Delhi, 14th May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Govt to get rid of two-stroke vehicles
Transport Minister Ajay Maken, said that the Delhi Government has taken a decision to get rid of two-stroke vehicle including auto rickshaws as per the direction of Supreme Court.Speaking at a seminar 'City Governance for Clean Air: Learning from each other in Asia', organised by Centre for Science and Environment on Saturday.
The Pioneer, New Delhi, 13th may, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Opinion divided over ban on 2-stroke autos
A debate has started over the decision of the Delhi Government to ban two-stroke CNG auto-rickshaws with the environmentalists unable to say whether the decision is correct or not. Director, Centre for Science and Environment, Sunita Narain said, "We are not against useof two-stroke engines running on CNG. The problem is with 2-stroke engines running on CNG.The problem is with 2- stroke engines running on petrol as they emit 35 per cent more pollution than any other tyep of engine," she said.
Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 13th may, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Ban two-stroke autos from plying: Maken
Delhi Transport Minister Ajay Maken today said that in order to ensure clean air in the Capital, two-stroke vehicles and autorickshaws should be banned. Speaking at an environment seminar organised by the Centre for Science and Environment, Maken supported the court's order that such polluting vehicles should not be allowed to ply.
The Indian Express, New Delhi, 12th May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Wrangles delay LPG dispensing stations
The road to facilitate the use of LPG as auto fuel seems to be a long haul ahead with procedural wrangles taking their toll on the setting up of dispensing stations. So, nearly five years after its popularisation in Chennai city as an alternate and eco-friendly fuel option, use of LPG in automobiles continues to be illegal.
The Hindu, Chennai, 12th May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Experts, ex-judges talk on environment laws
Does India really have an effective enforcement system to implement environment laws, or the environment laws are mere acts on paper? This was the point of debate, that reverberated at the Indian Law Institute, where environmentalists and legal experts came together at a seminar on "Court rulings on environment" on Friday afternoon.The panellists included, director of the Indian Law Institute S.K. Verma, retired Kerala high court judge T.L.V. Aiyer, CPCB chairman Dilip Biswas and Chandrachur Ghosh from Centre for Science and Environment.
The Asian Age, New Delhi, 11th May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Bhure lal's probe easy, hike in CNG price unfair
As the Bhure Lal Committee looks into the CNG price hike, it will not have to work too hard to conclude that the hike is unjustified.The Court also noted that the price of CNG could not be equated with diesel as the price components are extractions, compression and transportaton that can not be equal to refinery costs. Calculations by the Centre for Science and Environment show that IOC, BPCL and HPCL will incur a loss of about Rs 7,000 crore by June end this year.
The Indian Express, New Delhi, 10th May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Private vehicles may get CNG
Owners of private vehicles converted to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) who are being denied supply, may soon get to step on the gas. Those affected are the owners who got their registration certificates stamped after January 6 to run their vehicles on dual fuel.
The Times of India, New Delhi, 8th May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Govt. hikes public transport fares, blames Centre for it
Delhi Cabinet today decided to hike public transport fares by 17.83 per cent. Union Petroleum Minister Ram Naik said, "There was no justification for the CNG fare hike effected by the Delhi Government. Since the price of CNG is lower than that of diesel and the buses which earlier ran on diesel and later switched to CNG mode, the cost of operating them should also come down.
The Indian Express, New Delhi, 7th May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Home decoration material too causes air pollution
Every year over one million deaths are caused in India by air pollution. Of these two-third are due to indoor air pollution, according to the World Bank statistics.According to a study, IAQ problems cost American business nearly $ 60 billion annually, most of it due to the result of loss in productivity. However, in India, "there have been very few studies and nobody even talks about it," rues Pranay from the Centre for Science and Environment(CSE).
Newstime, Hyderabad, 4th May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Fare panel to submit report on May 6
The three member committee set up by the Delhi Cabinet to study and suggest a new fare structure for taxi, autorickshaw and buses in view of the CNG price hike will now submit its report on May 6 thereby delaying the announcement of a fare hike for few more days.
The Hindu, New Delhi, 4th May, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) CNG price hike is trick by Centre, claims CSE
The Centre for Science and Environment has lambasted the Indraprastha Gas Limited and the ministry of petroleum for the recent hike in CNG prices saying that IGL has been making huge profits and had no urgent need to increase prices.The CNG price hike on April 28, which has made diesel cheaper than it by 24 paise, has been termed by Centre for Science and Environment as a "devious tactic by the Union government to sabotage the Supreme Court's earnest efforts to move towards CNG."
The Asian Age, New Delhi, 30th April, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Delhi seeks partial CNG price roll-back
Even as the Government of NCT of Delhi and the Centre slug it out over the economics and impact of fuel pricing and fare rationalisation, the commuters find themselves in a lose-lose situation.With fewer buses plying on the roads following the Supreme Court's orders, the spectre of a fare hike has come as a double blow for them.The Centre for Science and Environment, campaigning for the clean fuel, said:"With the hike in the CNG prices, the price difference between CNG and diesel will narrow and this will reduce the economic incentive for the vehicle owners to shift to this cleaner fuel."
The Tribune, Chandigarh, 29th April, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) CNG price hiked by 28.5%, fare hike next
The monopoly supplier of Compressed Natural Gas, IGL, today announced a 28.5 per cent hike in the price of gas, evoking a sharp reaction from the Delhi Government, transporters, commuters and the environmentalists.The Centre for Science and Environment,which has been campaigning for clean fuel, said:"With the hike, the price difference between CNG and diesel will narrow and this will reduce the economic incentive for vehicle owners to shift to a cleaner fuel."
The Tribune, Chandigarh, 28th April, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Diesel drives CNG home
Diesel may be the villain for the green brigade. Tempos powered by the 'dirty' fuel, however, take CNG cylinders home to daughter stations. Though Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) officials claim that their operation is limited and does not affect pollution in the Capital, it reflects the authorities' hyprocrisy.Sunita Narain of CSE said that while it is a little tricky for trucks, it is not so for tempos. "Or they can buy new CNG tempos," she suggested.
The Indian Express, New Delhi, 28th April, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Spotlight on alternative fuels
A public awareness meeting on "CNG Crisis in Delhi: Myths and Facts about Alternative Fuels" organised by Society for Environmental Awareness, Rehabilitation of Child and Handicapped(SEARCH) on the occasion of the 32nd International Earth Day recently called for formulation of an action plan for effective use of the gas in the transport sector in the Capital.Head of the Clean Air Campaign of Centre for Science and Environment, Anumita Roy Chaudhary, said the recent Supreme Court order has not left any leeway in scuttling the implementation of the CNG programme.
The Hindu, New Delhi, 27th April, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) High levels of pollution make Delhi an unhealthy place to live
Respirable suspended particulate matter(RSPM), the deadliest pollutnat in the city's air, is almost three the permissible limits. And on APril 19, the RSPM shot to 346 micrograms per cubic metre, more than three times ther permissible limit of 100 for residential areas and 150 for industrial areas."RSPM causes asthma and respiratory diseases and sustained exposure to it can cause lung cancer,' said Anumita Roychowdhury, head of the clean air campaign of Centre for Science and Environment.
The Times of India, New Delhi, 23rd April, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) CSE files complaint against e-mail
Centre for Science and Environment(CSE) today filed an FIR for misrepresentation and defamation of its stand on the CNG issue.
The Indian Express, New Delhi, 18th April, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) False claim on CNG alleged
After pollution, the "clean air" campaign being conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment(CSE) has got a dirty opponent. According to CSE director Sunita Narain, e-mails, widely sent by an "independent news agency" wrongly claim that the centre has "issued public statements retracting its stand on the Compressed Natural Gas(CNG) issue and tendered an apology to the citizens of Delhi."
The Times of India, New Delhi, 18th April, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) CSE files FIR against cyber 'canard'
The Centre for Science and Environment, which has been in the forefront on the CNG issue in the Capital, today filed an FIR in Ambedkar Nagar police station alleging that a cyber campaign has been launched against the green group to tarnish its repuration. The green group, in a release said, it has come to its notice that an e-mail message is

in wide circulation from a portal called dhamakapataka@morningindia.com maligning CSE and misrepresenting the facts of its campaign on CNG.
The Tribune, Chandigarh, 18th April, 2002

images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) It's poison everywhere
Polluted air, water and soil. The perfect recipe for an environmental disaster. But scores of Delhiites live this disaster every day, mostly oblivious to the perils he combats. On April 5, while passing its order on CNG buses, the Supreme Court noted : "Lack of concern or effort on the part of various government agencies had resulted in spiralling pollution levels. The quality of air was steadily decreasing..."According to the Centre for Science and Environment(CSE), the city's air kills a person every hour.
The Times of India, New Delhi, 14th April, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) IGL wants to hike prices
Compressed natural gas is no longer going to come cheap. After the Centre upped CNG prices by 90 paise to Rs 13.11 per kg, the sole supplier of the gas in the city, Indraprastha Gas Ltd, is contemplating a hike. Added to that comes a 4 per cent sales tax, which the state government imposed on CNG on Thursday.However, the Centre for Science and Environment has termed the move as "one more nail in CNG's coffin". CSE director Sunita Narain said" "This is an effort to destroy the initiative taken by the Supreme Court to clean up Delhi's air. Once hiked, the price difference between CNG and diesel (priced at Rs 16.59 a litre) will narrow down and people won't have an incentive to convert their vehicles to CNG."
The Times of India, New Delhi, 13th April, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Pollution level drops; clean air still a far cry
The latest bus crisis in the Capital which left scores of commuters stranded might have a bright side to it - the levels of pollution have dropped drastically in the past five days."There are also trucks and tempos which pollute but nothing is being done," said the Director of Centrre for Science and Environment, Sunita Narain.
The Hindu, New Delhi, 12th April, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Pollution levels in city continue to fall
In keeping with predictions made by experts, pollution lvels in the city declined for the second consecutive day today. According to figures furnished by the Central Pollution Control Board's laboratory, the levels of Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) fell to a new low of 148 which is a drastic reduction from yesterday's 189.The biggest cause of cheer however is the reduction in RSPM levels because it is the most critical pollutant leading to health hazards. Says Sunita Narain of the Centre for Science and Environment:"We are seeing a trend and it is clear that the reduction in the pollutants is happening because of the removal of diesel buses from the roads of the Capital."
The Indian Express, New Delhi, 11th April, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) With diesel buses off roads, Delhi air has become cleaner
Commuters on Delhi roads may be a harried lot following the Supreme Court directive but at least they are breathing much cleaner air. According to the Central Pollution Control Board figures (CPCB), for the first time respirable suspended particular matter (RSPM) levels on Monday dropped to their lowest-ever in the Capital. It sttod at 189 micrograme per cubic metre (MPCM) at ITO crossing. "Since the past three to four years, the RSPM level has never been so low in the months of March and April," said Sunita Narain, Director Centre for Science and Environment.   
The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 10th April, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) City coughs up crores for air we breathe
Quality of air has not meant much to our politicians. Over the years the cost of breathing polluted air has been paid by residents of Delhi - be it inthe form of asthma, pulmonary distress or even cancer. But this time, the netas may not be able to get away with it. Centre for Science and Environment director Sunita Narain said, "It is now well established that air pollution leads to considerable levels of mortality and morbidity."
The Times of India, New Delhi, 8th April, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Delhiites brace up for chaos
The commuters in the Capital had a harrowing time with about half the public transport buses on diesel going off the roads of the National Capital Territory, following the Supreme Court order imposing hefty fines on the violators.But, for the environmental activists it was time to rejoice and celebrate as the Supreme Court has ruled in their favour. Terming the Apex Court order as "momentous and innovative" Ms Sunita Narain, Director of the Centre for Science and Environment, said they are jubilant over the order as it has scotched all controversy.She said the court has broadened the jurisdiction of the case beyond Delhi.
The Tribune, Chandigarh, 7th April, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) CSE hails SC judgement
Welcoming the apex court's order, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) today said that all the doubts being raised about its implementation have been addressed in the judgement.Issues like the lack of buses, gas shortage and lack of infrastructure have been addressed at length in the order, said Sunita Narain, director, CSE.
The Indian Express, New Delhi, 7th April, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Court trashes govt - hook, line and Mashelkar
Today's court order on CNG has spared no words to criticise the way R.A. Mashelkar Committee had been set-up, its composition and its recommendations. The Union government had overzealously accepted and presented the interim report before the Supreme Court in 2001.What the Mashelkar Committee report did do, inadvertently, was to focus the attention of the apex court to the rest of the country."Since the report was meant to recommend automotive policy for the entire country, by tabling it the government actually opened doors for a national policy and CNG or any otehr relatively non-polluting fuel for other polluted cities of the country," says Anumits Roy Choudhury, coordinator of the air pollution cell of the Centre for Science and Environment.
The Indian Express, New Delhi, 6th April, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Dirty oil charges unfair? IOC, NGO slug it out
The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has joined issue with the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) on its charges of fuel adulteration.A CSE report released last week had said that adulteration was rampant. The quality of diesel and petrol collected in different parts of the National Capital Region was found to vary, at times hugely.
The Times of India, New Delhi, 16th March, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Lid on fuel adulteration blown off
The green brigade has opened a can of worms on the oil industry through a recent survey done by the Centre for Science and Environment on the prevalence of adulteration at fuel outlets and depots in and around New Delhi.Adulteration goes undetected by monitoring agencies since the detection methods and standards are weak, CSE observed in its report submitted through the Environmental Pollution Authority to the Supreme Court late last month.
Business Line, New Delhi, 14th March, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Adulteration of fuel rampant in Capital
The unseen truth is out. Nearly a tenth of all fuel being sold in the Capital is adulterated and vehicle-owners are not only paying more for less, they are also inadvertently damaging their engines.And with the oil companies simply looking the other way and testing laboratories not being able to even point out the adulterations, the scenario is grim. At least this is what the Centre of Science and Environment has submitted to Environment Pollution Authority, which entrusted it to carry out a survey on fuel quality in Delhi on the directions of the Supreme Court.
The Hindu, New Delhi, 14th March, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Govt lab failed to check fuel-adulteration: CSE
A mere mixing of 15 per cent of Kerosene in-a litre of diesel is enough for a petrol pump owner to make a profit of Rs 25,000 in a day. Incidentally the government owned fuel testing labarotary is unable to catch this adulteration. These and other allegations were made by the Centre for Science and Environment in a report submitted to the Bhurelal Committee.   
The Pioneer, New Delhi, 13th March, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) CSE for tighter laws to check fuel adulteration
Not enough is being done to check adulteration of fuel, says the Centre for Science and Environment in its study based on an independent assessment conducted in the National Capital Region.The study highlights the epidemic dimensions this problem has acquired -rampant fuel adulteration; its difficult detection and dilution in the punishment for adulterers.
The Times of India, New Delhi, 13th March, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Hidden adulteration
Adulteration of fuel in Delhi exists, but remains undetected due to weak testing methods, said the Centre for Science and Environment(CSE) on Tuesday.
The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 13th March, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) Detection methods fail to check adulteration in petrol, fuel quality
A study conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment has revealed that fuel adulteration in the city goes undetected because detection methods and standards are too weak.
The Asian Age, New Delhi, 13th March, 2002
images/bul_red.gif (868 bytes) CSE demands better fuel quality standards
A non-government organisation, Centre for Science and Environment, has demanded tightening of fuel quality standards and development of alternative testing procedures to stop adulteration in petroleum products.At a press conference, CSE, released a report on the fuel quality at fuel dispensing stations, oil depots and tank lorries.
The Statesman, New Delhi, 13th March, 2002

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