Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) In the News

Ethanol-blended fuel to be launched:
Petroleum minister Ram Naik will launch ethanol blended petrol (gasohol), an environment-friendly fuel in Mumbai. From January 1, the product will be available in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and a few Union territories.

The Times of India, Mumbai, December 31, 2002, Page No.3

Auto industry goes into overdrive:
The domestic auto industry went into overdrive in 2002 with substantial gains in segments like cars, commercial vehicles and two-wheelers, while automakers charmed buyers with numerous offerings. Notwithstanding slipping scooter sales, two-wheelers rode northwards on the back of a booming motorcycle market, which accounted for about 75 per cent of the total two-wheeler market, as motorcycles powered on with trendy and fuel-efficient models. Enamoured by the popularity of motorcycles, new entrants like Kinetic and LML forayed into the high volume commuter segment and payed rich dividends. Commercial vehicles, one of the important yardsticks to gauge the economic situation, finally revved up. The leading commercial vehicle makers like Tata Engineering and Ashok Leyland witnessed a surge in their sales.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, December 31, 2002, Page No.10

NGO decries govt move to hike auto fares:
Delhi government seems poised to increase autorickshaw fares once again. The reason, they cite now, is that CNG autos' monthly maintenance cost is more than petrol-driven vehicles. ''The support that the people of Delhi have shown for the Delhi Transport Department against the 15-day auto strike would be for nothing, if fares are hiked at this point. It would be a compromise and it would legitimise this extortion racket,'' says Sanjay Kaul, president of Delhi-based NGO, People's Action.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, December 31, 2002, Page No.3supp

Powering ahead with solar rickshaws:
Malcom J. Moss, the veteran environmentalist from the English countryside, is here to promote the use of solar rickshaws and boats to help conserve environment and provide an alternative to fossil fuel. The boats and rickshaws at present are successfully running both in Udaipur and Kumbhalgarh, Moss's haunts. In India with his amateur cricket team Nomads, Moss, a chemist by profession, is using his four days in India to convert more ordinary rickshaws into solar rickshaws (these don't have pedals) and riding them all the way to Udaipur. And right after his arrival in Delhi (on December 27), Moss went scouting for a brand new rickshaw in the Walled City. The rickshaw will be converted into a solar one in Udaipur, aided by his sons James (16) and Simon (12). Like his father, James too plays for the Nomads.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, December 31, 2002, Page No.3supp

Ethanol mixed petrol launch put off:
The Ministry of Petroleum has decided to postpone the launching of ethanol mixed petrol, scheduled for January 1, 2003, in nine states and four UTs. Mr. Ram Naik, Minister of Petroleum has reportedly instructed oil companies to supply ethanol mixed petrol only at selected depots in these states as the cartel of sugar lobby is asking for a price, much higher than the market price, for the supply of 5 per cent ethanol mixed petrol.

The Tribune, New Delhi, December 31, 2002, Page No.11

US drafting new rules for diesel emissions - report:
The Bush administration is drafting new rules to reduce dangerous emissions from off-road diesel-powered vehicles and machinery, The Washington Post reported. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Office of Management and Budget are proposing measures that would force engine manufacturers to install devices for capturing and treating exhaust gases and would cut off-road diesel emissions by as much as 95 percent, the report said.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, December 31, 2002

Ballard power is facing a bumpy road:
With countries around the world aiming to cut greenhouse-gas emissions,one would think things would be looking up for a company on the verge of commercializing a nonpolluting car engine. Instead, Ballard Power Systems Inc. of Canada is chopping 400 employees, or nearly 30% of its work force, cutting development spending and seeking buyers for parts of its business. In theory, prospects are encouraging for the Burnaby, British Columbia, company which has pioneered development of fuel cells for car engines since 1983. Ballard is close to the commercial launch of a zero emissions car in partnership with major auto makers such as Ford Motor Co, and Diamler Chrysler AG. The new class of cars would be powered by fuel cells, a technology for producing electricity from oxygen and hydrogen that has most famously been used in spacecraft.

The Asian Wall Street Journal, Hong Kong, December 30, 2002, Page No.A5

'Green' fuel gives some relief to road users:
Do you feel any lessening in the usual suffocating and burning sensation in eyes while driving on the city roads? Did you not e that the usual heaviness in lungs has disappeared of late? If so, it is because of the low sulphur feel introduced in the Hyderabad city over two weeks ago. The overall colour of the gaseous emissions has changed with less sulphur content in the 'green' fuel. The brownish tinge in smoke has been reduced because of low sulphur. Carbon monoxide causes blackness while nitrogen oxides give bluish shade, which largely remain the same. The newly introduced fuel helps in reducing sulphur contents but the main contributors to air pollution continue to be carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons like benzene.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, December 30, 2002, Page No.1

Drive against chokers from Jan 2:
As part of their measures to control pollution levels in the Hyderabad city, the traffic police will launch a special drive against vehicles emitting smoke from January 2. Even the vehicles with pollution under check certificates would be seized by the police if they were found emitting smoke beyond permissible limits.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, December 30, 2002, Page No.sp3

Banglore blocks roads to old public carriers:
After Delhi, it is turn of Banglore to ban entry of old transport vehicles within the city's outer ring road limits from January 1. Unlike Delhi, which banned plying of transport vehicles of 15 years age or more in pursuant to the directions of Supreme Court, Karnataka's S M Krishna ministry has taken an unilateral decision of banning entry of 20 years age or more within the ring road limits.

The Economic Times, New Delhi, December 30, 2002, Page No.5

Red signal from green cops:
The traffic police have a nasty surprise for owners of polluting vehicles in the New Year. From January 2, the traffic police will summarily seize vehicles exceeding emission norms and send them to a workshop for tuning up. The vehicle owner will have to pay the fine for polluting and also pay the mechanic. According to Additional Commissioner, Traffic, D T Nayak, the new campaign will apply to all vehicles irrespective of whether or not they hold a 'pollution under check' certificate.

Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabad, December 29, 2002, Page No.1

M&M stress on eco-friendly tractors:
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) said that it is committed towards producing tractors that are environment friendly and incorporate the latest technology. "All M&M tractor manufactured today meet the Bharat (TREM) Stage I standards for emission and vehicle pollution," M&M said in a press release.

Business Line, New Delhi, December 29, 2002, Page No.2

CNG driven four-stroke wheeler launched in city:
As many as 2000 CNG drivers four-stroke three-wheeler are expected to be marketed within the next few months to the greater benefit of the Dhaka city commuters. Bangladesh communications minister Barrister Nazmul Huda at a function in Dhaka formally launched at least 36 such transports, marketed by Riju Motors Ltd.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, December 12, 2002, Page No. 1

Anti-pollution masks 'difficult' to wear:
Police Personnel of the local traffic police are finding it impossible to wear the mandatory "anti pollution masks" due to excessive sweating. These masks were provided to the traffic police personnel only three days ago, but all traffic constables on all road crossings performing traffic duties were seen without such masks.

The Tribune, New Delhi, December 27, 2002, Page No.6

100 new CNG buses join DTC fleet:
As many as 100 new CNG buses joined the DTC fleet of buses on the roads, raising the total number of CNG buses in the Capital to 224. Delhi is the only capital city in the world which has brought its entire fleet of public transport city service to the CNG mode making Delhi Transport Corporation the largest CNG operator in the world. About 900 more CNG buses will be added to the existing fleet soon.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, December 27, 2002, Page No.9

First 'zero pollution' battery bike:
China's first no-pollution battery electric bike has been launched in Shanghai and is ready for mass production. The bike is equipped with zinc air battery, a device that generates power by way of transferring air and zinc ions reaction produced chemical energy into electric energy.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, December 26, 2002, Page No.6

Zero pollution bike launched in China:
China's first pollution battery bike has been launched in Shanghai and is ready for mass production. The bike is equipped with zinc-air battery, a device that generates power by way transferring air and zinc ions reaction into electric energy. Powered by such a fuel battery, the bike emits no waste even after being disposed, realising a real "zero pollution" state Xinhua news agency reported from the east China metropolis Shanghai.

Newstime, Hyderabad, December 26, 2002, Page No.12

From Jan 1, old transport vehicles will run into Rs 1-lakh block in city:
The Karnataka State Transport Department is planing to spring an unpleasant New Year surprises on owners of old lorries, buses, vans, etc. From Jan 1, the Department is planning to enforce the much-debated ban on transport vehicles of 15 years and above vintage from plying inside city limits. If caught red-handed, vehicle owners will have to shell out a fine of Rs 1 lakh.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, December 26, 2002, Page No.1supp

DTC to further strengthen CNG bus fleet:
In order to help out the commuters during the ongoing auto strike in the city, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has decided to further strengthen its CNG bus fleet.Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit will flag off a fleet of a hundred new NCG buses on Thursday.In fact, this strength will continue to increase to 1,000 in the next three months.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, December 26, 2002, Page No.3

4 boys and an electric-cum-fuel-driven car:
Four students of the Bharath Institute of Science and Technology have made a hybrid car 'Electura,' claimed to be the first electric cum fuel driven car in India. A Srinath, R Arvind Kumar, M Loganatha Pandian and C Sundu Kumar of final year Mechanical Engineering have made the car with the guidance of M Prem Jaya Kumar, assistant professor in Mechanical Engineering. The car is considered one up on the electric car that has been plying on Chennai roads over the last year.

The New Indian Express, Chennai, December 25, 2002, Page No.sp1

Prolonged wait for eco-friendly, auto LPG:
The Chennai city's wait for eco-friendly Auto LPG to fuel vehicles continues, even a fortnight after the national oil companies established two retail dispensing units. The reasons for the delay, in the introduction of the 'green' fuel that has potential to improve the ambient air quality are not too far to seek. The major roadblock in the facilitation process still remains the time taken by the Transport Department in issuing the requisite clearances.

The Hindu, Chennai, December 25, 2002, Page No.3 & www.hinduonnet.com

New fuel-efficient engine from Audi?:
Audi's laser-treated engines are expected to reduce wear-and-tear by 23-89 per cent, while oil consumption will decrease by about 30 per cent. According to a source, the first machine for Audi has already been produced by ELOTHERM, GmbH, Germany, the company that specialises in heat induction processes, and will be tested under production conditions in February 2003 and supplied to Audi in the spring of 2003. Audi developed the technology with ELOTHERM, and Professor H.W. Bergmann of the University of Bayreuth, and has also filed a patent. According to someone closely associated with the project: "This process improves not only the mechanical quality of the engines, which results in higher lifetime, but also helps build engines that consume less fuel and oil, which means less pollution - absolutely necessary for the future."

Business Line, New Delhi, December 25, 2002, Page No.2

Only second Metro to get ISO 14001 certification:
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Tuesday received a shot in its arm. After the New York Metro, DMRC has become the second metro system in the world to be awarded the ISO 14001 certification for environment-friendly construction and operations. However, what puts the DMRC a notch above its counterpart in New York is that the DMRC, all set to become operational from Wednesday, has become the first such system in the world to receive this certification at the construction stage itself. The technical assistance by New York Metro, facilitated by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), played an important role in Delhi Metro reaching this milestone, a US Embassy release said on Tuesday.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, December 25, 2002, Page No.3

GE designs new loco to meet emission norms:
General Electric Co. in a major revamp of its railroad locomotive technology, is launching a high-horsepower locomotives design it says will meet more-stringent federal emissions standards scheduled to go into effect in two years, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday. The Locomotive, called the "Evolution Series," incorporates a new diesel engine and provides the basic technology for General Electric locomotives for the next 20 years, the company said.

Business Line, New Delhi, December 24, 2002, Page No.3

Car seva could take city on pollution ride:
The true picture of car clogged world is not a sweet Santro zipping down tree clad roads to Wonderland but one long, tortuous traffic jam. Where motorists marinate in a mist of pollutants and noxious gases from exhaust pipes soar heavenward, thickening the smog above the earth. Such, an ecological apocalypse, though, is far from the minds of both the car-crazed Indian consumer and a state government ever willing to appease motorists. For never has it been so easy to own a car in Mumbai. The last few years have seen prices drop, car finance schemes multiply, interest rated dip and financiers become innovative.

The Times of India, Mumbai, December 23, 2002, Page No.3

SC allows 5,000 more autos:
The Supreme Court on Friday permitted the registration of 5,000 new autos run on CNG and LPG in view of the difficulties faced by commuters in the Capital. A bench comprising Justice Y.K. Sabharwal and Justice H.K. Sema passed the order in response to an application by the Delhi government seeking a modification of the court's 1997 order banning the fresh registration of autos. Additional Solicitor-General Mukul Rohtagi, who represented the Delhi government, told the bench that there was an urgent need to increase the number of autos run on CNG and LPG because several thousands of old vehicles were yet to switch to CNG mode.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, December 21, 2002, Page No.3

LPG for cars not in government's green idea:
After setting an example for the world by switching its public transport fleet to compressed natural gas (CNG), the Delhi state government is dragging its feet over giving the city's car-owning population a choice of another green fuel - liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). In the last one year, the state-owned Indian Oil Corporation has sunk about Rs 5 crore in preparing 11 retail outlets for selling LPG to cars and taxis. But these stations are lying idle as the state transport department failed to come out with the guidelines for LPG-driven vehicles till December 2.

The Times of India, New Delhi, December 21, 2002, Page No.5

Two stroke 3 wheelers to be seized after Dec 31:
Two stroke three wheelers will be seized if found plying Dhaka city roads after December 31, a deadline set by the government for the black smoke-emitting vehicles to stay off the streets. The warning came from a meeting held with Communications Minister Barrister Nazmul Huda in the chair.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, December 20, 2002, Page No.1

'Decision on auto fuel policy by January end':
Government is likely to take a view on the auto fuel policy suggested by the Mashelkar Committee by the end of next month, Petroleum Minister Ram Naik said. "We expect to receive comments from state governments and all stakeholders by the month end. The views would be studied and incorporated in the integrated auto fuel policy that would be placed before the cabinet for approval by January end," Naik said at the consultative committee meeting of ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, December 20, 2002, Page No.10

Transporters obtain 3-month extension for engine conversion:
In what appears to be a short reprieve for Mumbai's transporters, the Bombay high court granted a three-month extension to the phase-out deadline of December 31, 2002. About 20000 diesel-run transport vehicles, which include trucks, buses and vans older than 15 years, now have time till March 31, 2003, to either convert to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or be scrapped.

The Times of India, Mumbai, December 19, 2002, Page No.3

Government seeks SC nod for new autos:
The Delhi government has approached the Supreme Court seeking permission to lift the restriction over registration of new autorickshaws in a bid to break the monopoly of unions and deal with their prolonged strike that has put commuters in great difficulty. The government said the level of pollution had been drastically reduced by its decision only to register four stroke TSRs in place of earlier two stroke TSRs. It said with the conversion of all autos into CNG mode, there was no fear of any increase in the pollution level and hence" there is no reason to restrict fresh registration of TSRs".

The Tribune, New Delhi, December 19, 2002, Page No.sp1

High court to rule on reprieve for polluting vehicles today:
Even as the end-December deadline looms for 15-year old heavy commercial vehicles to get off Mumbai's roads, tussle between anti-pollution campaigners, transport unions and the state government remains unresolved. Nearly 20000 polluting trucks and tempos are due to stop running on the city's roads by year's end following a Bombay high court in October last year in response to a public interest litigation field by the Smoke-Affected Residents Forum and the Bombay Environmental Action Group.

The Times of India, Mumbai, December 18, 2002, Page No.5

MTC to work hard on pollution control:
The Metropolitan Transport Corporation and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control board have agreed in principle that the buses which fail emission checks should stay off the roads until declared fit to return. The agreement, clinched around 10 days ago after some tough talking by TNPCB officials, not only enforces a stricter code of pollution control but also commits the transport major to gradually switch over to Euro II complaint vehicles. Vehicular emission has been cited as the single biggest source of air pollution in the Chennai city.

The New Indian Express, Chennai, December 18, 2002, Page No.sp1

Diesel truck, bus owners to receive subsidies for installing pollution filters:
The Japan government plans to provide 8 billion yen in subsidies to owners of large diesel trucks and buses who install filters to reduce pollutants during a two-year period beginning fiscal 2003, government sources said. The money would be obtained from tax revenues hitherto dedicated to road construction as part of efforts to use the funds for other projects, the sources said. The Land, Infrastructure and Transport Ministry will set aside 4 billion yen for the subsidies under the fiscal 2003 budget in the hope of equipping 60,000 vehicles with the devices, they said.

Japan Times (Internet), Japan, Decembr 18, 2002

Allow new autos to break cartel's monopoly: Govt:
In a bid to break the monopoly of autorickshaw cartels operating in the city, the Delhi state government has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court requesting it to allow registration of new autorickshaws. Delhi state transport minister Ajay Maken said if the court allowed registration of new autorickshaws, individuals would also be able to enter the trade.

The Times of India, New Delhi, December 18, 2002, Page No.3

America had better listen to Europe:
The European Union in an effort to deal with global warming, has approved two important measured : a cap on carbon emissions from fossil fuels, and the trading of emissions allowances, Both measures are set to begin in 2005. The Bush administration, meanwhile, has said the United States will focus on adaptation to a hotter world, with no greenhouse gas reductions of any kind until 2012 and then only through voluntary measures.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, December 17, 2002, Page No.8

Shakti's LPG conversion kit:
The Hyderabad based Shakti group has launched an LPG conversion kit for 3 wheelers in Mumbai. The company is targeting a market of over 30,000 3 wheelers more than eight years old in Mumbai as these vehicles will be banned in Mumbai after December 31, if they do not convert to alternative fuels like LPG or CNG. The kit which has been developed under a sponsored research programme by the Automotive Research Association of India, has been priced at Rs 14,500.

Business Standard, New Delhi, December 16, 2002, Page No.4

Balrampur Chini to boost topline by hiking ethanol output:
Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd is aiming to add around Rs 50 crore to its topline of Rs 549 crore by increasing ethanol output, now that the government has allowed the blending of the sugar industry by product with petrol for automobiles . The company reported a profit of Rs 47.34 crore on sales of Rs 548.95 crore in 2001-02, against Rs 47.82 crore on sales of Rs 613.88 crore in the previous fiscal.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, December 14, 2002, Page No.5

Lichens accurately measure air pollution:
The use of lichens to measure air pollution could virtually eliminate the use of mechanical monitoring of air pollution, according to research by a father-son team from Brigham Young University in Utah, US. "Previously, we knew that lichens took things up from the air, but no one had any significant results indicating that what is in the lichen accurately reflects what is in the air," said Larry St Clair, Professor of Integrative Biology at the Brigham Young.

Edie (Internet), UK, December 13, 2002

Mumbai to have more CNG bunks:
Mahanagar Gas Ltd., a GAIL and British Gas Joint venture, plans to add another 17 compressed natural gas outlets in Mumbai by March 2003. This will take the number of gas starved city to 55 outlets. The company opened its 38th CNG filling station in the city.

Business Line, New Delhi, December 13, 2002, Page No.17

Green groups push CO2 resolutions at GM, Ford:
A coalition of religious and environmental groups said this week it had filed shareholder resolutions with General Motors Corp. (GM.N) and Ford Motor Co. (F.N) aimed at forcing the automakers to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from their vehicles and factories by 2012. Similar resolutions were filed annually in the late 1990s but did not garner nearly enough support to pass. The coalitions stopped filing them after GM and Ford pulled out of a lobbying group that fought the Kyoto agreement aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions, the main "greenhouse gas" believed to trigger global warming.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, December 13, 2002

EU agrees sulphur-free fuel phase-in by 2009:
The European Union will ensure sulphur-free petrol and diesel are fully available by 2009 in a move to promote lower traffic emissions and improve vehicles' fuel efficiency, the European Commission said. The plan, agreed this week between EU member states and the European Parliament, will ensure the cleaner fuels start to be phased in from the start of 2005 at the latest.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, December 13, 2002

Ethanol blended petrol unlikely now:
The sale of anhydrous ethanol blended petrol in Andhra Pradesh from January 1 is unlikely to take off due to shortage of ethanol stocks in the state. The Central government announced that ethanol mixed petrol would be introduced in nine sates including Andhra Pradesh and also four Union Territories from January 1.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, December 12, 2002, Page No.4

State's plea on CNG extension attacked in HC:
The Maharashtra Government's application for a five year extension of deadline beyond January 2003, for phasing out polluting heavy vehicles came under strident attack in the Bombay High Court. The division bench of Chief Justice C K Thakker and Justice Sharad Bobde, hearing a public interest litigation, were told that the application, strangely, had been made by the government and not trasnporters' union.

The Indian Express, Mumbai, December 12, 2002, Page No.1(s)

'BSES stalling installation of pollution control unit':
The Maharashtra pollution control board has accused the city electricity company, BSES, of using delaying tactics to hold up the installation of a de-sulphurisation unit at its Dahanu thermal plant. The flue gas unit, as it is called, is meant to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions from its coal-based plant. The Dahanu Taluka Environment Protection Authority had ordered BSES to set up the plant three years ago.

The Times of India, Mumbai, December 12, 2002, Page No.5

West Delhi's CNG pipeline inaugurated:
Delhi took an irreversible step towards its CNG dream today with the official inauguration of Indraprastha Gas Limited's West Delhi pipeline. Construction of the 23-km pipeline had begun in April this year. The pipeline will be a relief for CNG vehicle owners in North and West Delhi as they would not have to travel long distances to fill CNG. The pipeline was inaugurated by Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Ram Naik at Shakurpur CNG Station today. The pipeline would run from Dhaula Kuan to GT Karnal Road and would supply gas to 20 stations in the area. Earlier CNG vehicle owners from North and West Delhi had to visit South and Central Delhi stations for CNG.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, December 12, 2002, Page No.4supp

Ethanol makers, oil cos to discuss price issue today:
Public sector oil companies and ethanol manufacturers are scheduled to meet on Thursday to finalize the price at which ethanol will be purchased for mixing with petrol. The meeting is crucial as the Union Government's January deadline for selling ethanol-mixed petrol draws closer, the price of procuring ethanol will be the main bone of contention between oil companies and ethanol manufacturers.

Business Line, New Delhi, December 12, 2002, Page No.5

Delhi emerges role model in battling air pollution:
Delhi could prove to be a role model for heavily polluted cities when it comes to controlling the level of air pollution. The Delhi's success in running 75000 vehicles on CNG fuel, the highest number in any city in the world, has evoked interest among many countries for setting up gas-based transport system, the Union petroleum minister, Mr Ram Naik said.

The Statesman, New Delhi, December 12, 2002, Page No.3

Green ring to shorten queues for CNG:
There is a solution in sight to Delhi's Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) crisis. The city will now be encircled by a natural gas pipeline that is expected to ease the supply hiccups faced by CNG-run vehicles in the last one and half years. The 23-km pipeline in west Delhi, completing the ring, was commissioned on Wednesday (11th Dec). Interestingly, it was inaugurated by Union petroleum minister Ram Naik who had opposed the CNG process till the Supreme Court cracked the whip.

The Times of India, New Delhi, December 12, 2002, Page No.3

LPG import to aid CNG supply:
The supply of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to the transport sector and power plants would improve in two years when the country begins importing gas in the form of Liquefied Natural Gas(LNG). Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Ram Naik said that the distribution of CNG would also improve after Indraprastha Gas Limited invests Rs 181 crore more in augmenting the dispensing infrastructure taking the investments up to Rs 522 crore.

The Tribune, New Delhi, December 12, 2002, Page No.sp1

Delhi's air better because of quality of petrol:
Naik: Union Petroleum and Natural Gas minister Ram Naik attributes the substantial improvement in air quality in the Capital to the quality of liquid auto fuels petrol and diesel. "As per a study conducted by the Central Road Research Institute in March 2002, around 85 per cent improvement in air quality in Delhi has come on account of improvements made in the quality of petrol and diesel and introduction of Bharat Stage II emission norms for vehicles. Fifteen per cent improvement is estimated to have come due to the use of CNG," Naik said.

The Tribune, New Delhi, December 12, 2002, Page No.sp1

'Pollution levels down after drive':
Karnataka State Transport Commission T Thimme Gowda claimed that the air pollution levels in Bangalore had come down after the special drive against the polluting vehicles. Gowda said as per the statistics of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), earlier Particles Per Million (PPM) in the air was around 369 and after the drive it came down to 180.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, December 11, 2002, Page No.3supp

Norway will help B'lore breathe easy:
The Norwegian government will invest nine million dollars on an air pollution control project for Bangalore, slated to be launched in Jan 2003, according to Ambassador of Norway to India Truls Hanevold. ''The project will be taken up in cooperation with the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and launched immediately after getting clearance from the Central Government,'' Hanevold said here on Tuesday during an interactive meeting with Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FKCCI) members.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, December 11, 2002, Page No.1supp

Oil firms await Government nod for auto LPG use:
Improved ambient air quality for Chennai residents now hinges on speedy action by the Transport Department to legalise use of LPG in vehicles. With Indian Oil Corporation and Bharat Petroleum Corporation commissioning an auto LPG dispensing station each in two days, a host of issues have come to the fore. While the oil companies have established the facilities at Koyambedu and Guindy responding to the call of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, for motorists keen on switching over the eco friendly fuel it's a case of 'so near, yet so far'.

The Hindu, Chennai, December 11, 2002, Page No.3 & www.hinduonnet.com

IOC sets up first LPG outlet in city:
Selling "eco-friendliness" as its major USP, Indian Oil commissioned its first Liquefied Petroleum Gas outlet for vehicles use at Koyambedu, Tamil Nadu, Asia's largest mofussil bus teminus. Indian Oil's Southern Region Executive Director, T L Jain while declaring the outlet open said the 'Autogas', the brand name for the LPG, is bound to make Chennai a "Cleaner and greener place to live in. Autogas was an alternative to conventional fuel, petrol and diesel, he added.

The New Indian Express, Chennai, December 11, 2002, Page No.sp1

US soyabean group for boosting bio-diesel use:
A national soyabean growers group on Monday said it would try to boost the use of soya-based bio-diesel fuel from within by pressing US farmers to use bio-diesel on their farms. The United Soyabean Board (USB), a farmer-controlled organisation funded by the national Soyabean checkoff, will organise farmer meetings designed to promote bio-diesel use during the next year.

Business Line, New Delhi, December 11, 2002, Page No.11

Make no haste:
Motorists will have to compulsorily use ethanol mixed petrol in their vehicles in many parts of the country from next month. This move, reflecting Petroleum Minister Ram Naik's desire to reduce dependence on crude oil imports and the sugar lobby's pressure to increase the utilisation of the industry's by products, is not ill conceived though there is every danger of its misfiring due to hasty implementation.....Editorial.

Business Standard, New Delhi, December 11, 2002, Page No.7

After Metro, govts spar on CNG line:
After the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation(DMRC), the CNG pipeline is turning out to be a major bone of contention between the Centre and Delhi government. And if things are anything to go by, the Centre may yet again take all the credit. With an year to go for Delhi Assembly elections, BJP and the Congress are vying with each other to take credit for every achievement. So after the Metro ruckus over which the Sheila Dikshit government raised a furore, there is this Congress discontent over the BJP ''taking undue credit'' for CNG.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, December 11, 2002, Page No.1supp

CNG days ahead: Pipeline ready for inauguration:
The wait is over, finally. And it is going to be worth a wait. A 23 km long CNG pipeline from Dhaula Kuan to G T Karnal Road, which has been completed by Indraprastha Gas Limited, will be inaugurated by Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mr Ram Naik at IGL's Shakarpur Station on on Dec 11, 2002. The pipeline will significantly improve Delhi's CNG supply and put an end to long queues, which had become a common sight in the capital. Completed at a cost of Rs 25 crore, the pipeline is expected to solve the CNG crisis once and for all.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, December 11, 2002, Page No.2

Plan to launch petrol, diesel to meet Bharat-II norms:
As per the roadmap approved by the Government for vehicular emission norms, it is proposed to introduce petrol and diesel to meet Bharat-II and Euro-III equivalent vehicular emission norms from April 1, 2005 and April 1, 2010 respectively in the country, the Rajya Sabha was told today.

Business Line, New Delhi, December 11, 2002, Page No.4

HC moved for nod to use 80 litre CNG cylinders by buses:
The Federation of Delhi Bus Operators (FDBO) on Tuesday moved the Delhi High Court for a direction to the Union Government and State Transport Authority (STA) of Government of NCT of Delhi to grant them permission for using CNG cylinders of 80 litres' capacity in their buses.

Justice Manmohan Sarin issued notices to the Union Government, the STA, Automative Research Association of India, Indian Institute of Petroleum and the Central Machinery Testing and Training Institute seeking their replies by December 19.

The Tribune, New Delhi, December 11, 2002, Page No.sp3

Air pollution damages across generations - study:
Air pollution from steel mills causes genetic damage that fathers can pass to the next generation, researchers in Canada reported. It is not clear if the genetic damage could harm anyone's health, but tests on mice showed that those allowed to breathe air from near a smoke-belching steel mill had fewer pups and hose pups had more genetic mutations than their country cousins. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggest that steel mill workers and people living near those mills should be checked for damage to their health, said the researchers, at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, December 11, 2002

Quest for cleaner air:
Increasing pollution levels and deteriorating public health has prompted scientists to look for alternatives to conventional sources of fuel and Ethanol is one of the most preferred candidates. Ethanol is one of the options being touted as a possible contender in the quest for a clean fuel. Many countries in different proportions currently use it. Already the government has given the green signal to allow 5 per cent blending of ethanol in fuels and is also planing to raise the amount of ethanol to 10 per cent.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, December 10, 2002, Page No.1supp

Emission certificates may soon cost more:
The Transport Department is considering a proposal to hike the prices of Emission Test Certificates (ETC) by about 50%. "The Karnataka State Emission Testing Centres Association has submitted a proposal, which is being favorably considered by the Transport Minister who is expected to take a decision soon," a senior Transport Department official told this paper.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, December 10, 2002, Page No.3supp

Calendar to indicate pollen levels in atmosphere:
Researchers at the Indian college of Allergy, Asthma and Applied Immunology have drawn up a 'Chennai Pollen Calendar' indicating the levels of pollen in the atmosphere, on a seasonal basis. The pollen patterns described by the Calendar, emerged after a study conducted over a year in five monitoring stations in Tamil Nadu.

The Hindu, Chennai, December 10, 2002, Page No.3 & www.hinduonnet.com

Doctors map pollens that cause asthma:
City doctors have mapped at least 21 pollens present in the atmosphere that can trigger asthma attacks in susceptible people. Air samples were drawn with vertical cylinder traps from five different places in the city Anna Nagar, Washermanpet, Villivakkam, Gandhi Mandapam and Royapettah from January 2001 to December 2001 by a group of allergy and asthma experts.

The New Indian Express, Chennai, December 10, 2002, Page No.sp1

LAHORE: Rickshaws using LPG against EPD advice:
Scores of rickshaws have been converted to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in the provincial metropolis and more continue to be converted against the advice of the environment protection department. Rickshaw owners are installing LPG kits in their vehicles for avoiding the use of costly petrol. They are preferring conversion to the LPG instead of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) because the LPG kits and cylinders cost around Rs5,000 whereas the CNG kits and cylinders cost a few thousand rupees more.

Dawn (Internet), Pakistan, December 10, 2002

Govt mulling Rs 17,500 cr investment for bio-diesel:
The Government is mulling investment of over Rs 17,500 crore to undertake a comprehensive programme for extracting oil from jatropha plantations for blending with diesel. The investment, to be undertaken under a national mission on jatropha during the Tenth Plan, would have a multi-purpose objective of making available bio-diesel in the country, greening five million hectares of degraded waste land, generating employment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, December 10, 2002, Page No.10

Ready to tank up on gas?:
Everyone in Chennai knows that there is more in the air than mere music during December. The thick blanket of noxious automotive emissions that hangs in the air has dealt a blow to the ambient air quality, and those who go for their early morning walk can see and breathe the poison. As they keep their fingers crossed that the pollution does not take a toll of their health, the city's concerned residents are also waiting for an alternative. LPG, as auto fuel.

The Hindu, Chennai, December 09, 2002, Page No.2 & www.hinduonnet.com

Pollution looms 50 years after London smog:
Fifty years after a thick "peasouper" fog killed thousands in London, pollution is still choking major cities, a leading environmentalist said last week. The type of fog that enveloped the city for five dark December days in 1952 and shaped the international image of the British capital as a misty metropolis is no more, but it has been replaced by invisible air pollution from vehicle exhausts. "The days of the big London smogs are thankfully gone but the air pollution we have now is still a cause of continuing problems and we must strive to improve air quality by whatever means that we can," Jon Ayres told Reuters.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, December 09, 2002

CNG for vehicles in Agartala:
The Tripura government has prepared an ambitious Rs 40 crore-scheme to introduce compressed natural gas(CNG) for vehicles. In the first phase, the CNG would be introduced in 5,000 vehicles of all kinds, he said.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, December 09, 2002, Page No.9

Ethanol shortage may derail E-5 plans:
The mandated programme of environment-friendly ethanol-blended petrol seems unlikely to take off from January 1, 2003, as facts indicate that there is a severe shortage of ethanol in the country.While the five per cent ethanol-blended petrol (E-5 blend programme) requirement would see a demand on January 1 of around 350 mn lts from some 11,550 petrol pumps, the actual availability is merely 90 mn lts, leaving a yawning gap of 230 mn lt at the beginning of the new year.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, December 09, 2002, Page No.5

B-Urja will be new rural mantra:
D.K. Tuli, head of the research wing of Indian Oil Company, had read about biodiesel being used in 22 countries but had not given it much thought. After all, the chances of convincing his company heads about a diesel alternative were slim. He noticed hundreds of Karanjia trees in the 70-acre campus of the R&D division building. He collected a few kilos of seed to extract oil and blended it with diesel to make biodiesel and found that it worked beautifully without making modifications in the engine.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, December 09, 2002, Page No.1

Let's learn to say 'No' to plastics:
As per government records atleast 50,000 polythene bags have been removed from river Tawi during "Clean Tawi Project". These bags were in the garbage dumps thrown into the river through five nallahs of the Jammu city. Polythene bags add to 5-10% of air pollution as compared to vehicular pollution , which is considered to be the most polluting agent of air. In plastic manufacturing various poisonous fumes are emitted out of the factory which are harmful for the people and today they are adding to the already polluted Jammu city.

The Kashmir Times, Jammu, December 08, 2002, Page No.7

Mini-CNG buses to replace cycle rickshaws soon:
In a two-fold strategy to reduce the number of cycle rickshaws plying the in Capital, the Delhi Government has decided to utilize mini-CNG buses for intra and inter colony transport as alternative to rickshaws and identify no-rickshaw zones in the city. It is estimated that a minimum of 5 lakh rickshaws run in Delhi though the MCD has issued licenses to only Abdul one lakh rickshaws.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, December 08, 2002, Page No.5

Tripura vehicles set to run on CNG fuel:
In an attempt to utilise the huge natural gas reserve, the Tripura Government has decided to introduce CNG fuel for the vehicles in the state. Industries Minister Pabitra Kar has said that the state government would sign a memorandum of understanding with the IGL of Delhi for the purpose. GAIL has also extended its helping hand for the CNG project.

The Assam Tribune, Guwahati, December 07, 2002, Page No.7

No link seen between car snags and fuel:
The breakdown of scores of cars in the City over the last one week is not due to use of "next-generation fuels" - Speed of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Power of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) - but due to "high-density" fuel supplied from Mangalore Refineries and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL). The failure of fuel pumps in about 100 cars in the City has nothing to do with Speed or Power as reported in a newspaper, but due to a batch of high-density petrol from the MRPL, experts have clarified.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, December 07, 2002, Page No.1

300 more buses for DTC's fleet:
Delhi Transport Corporation has got the approval to purchase 300 diesel buses to strengthen its existing fleet of inter-State bus service.

DTC Chairman A J S Sahni, along with other senior officials, made a presentation before the city Government's Finance Minister Mahinder Singh Saathi and Planning Department officials regarding the approval of the additional fleet. The DTC chairman requested the Finance Minister to release another sum of Rs 70 crore for the purchase of CNG buses for the city bus fleet. "Delhi Government had already released Rs 100 crore for the purchase of CNG chassis and the remaining Rs 70 crore is expected to be released soon," said Mr Sahni.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, December 07, 2002, Page No.3

Assn opposes ban on plying of old vehicles:
The Federation of Karnataka Lorry Owners' Association has threatened to stop plying of commercial goods transport vehicles for an indefinite period in the State from January 1, 2003 in protest against the State Government's recent order to ban plying of transport vehicles which are more than 15-years old in Bangalore City in a phased manner from next year. "The proposal to ban movement of vehicles that are 15 years old would affect many drivers and truck owners in the City", Association president B Channa Reddy said here while addressing a press conference today.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, December 06, 2002, Page No.4

Will MTC stay green?:
MTC is making a desperate bid to look green. Its newer buses don't leave a cloud of dust and particulates like the majority of its fleet. It is slowly phasing out the old vehicles from its fleet, replacing them with Euro II complaint buses. The Corporation is operating 80 Euro II buses in various parts of the Chennai city. The new buses have been equally distributed to all the depots, and can be seen with their 'green stripes'. At the heart of it all is the Union government's order that in all the metros, only Euro II buses should be operated.

The Hindu, Chennai, December 06, 2002, Page No.2 & www.hinduonnet.com

Honda vehicles retain top spot; Ford improves:
Ford Motor Co. reduced emissions of tailpipe pollution created by its cars and light trucks last year, helping the world's second-largest automaker rise one rank in an environmental study that found Honda Motor Co.'s vehicles the cleanest for a second time. Ford's 2001 models emitted 1&% less smog-forming pollution compared with a previous study in 1998, said Mr Paul Fain, spokesman for the Union of Concerned Scientists, an environmental group that conducted the survey.

Business Line, New Delhi, December 06, 2002, Page No.3

CNG infrastructure being improved in phases:
There are 100 CNG outlets being operated in the Capital presently by the Indraprastha Gas Ltd. and the infrastructure is being increased in a phased manner to meet the growing demands, the Lok Sabha was informed. The Minster of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mr. Santosh Kumar Gangwar, said in a written reply that last year there were only 87 CNG outlets in the national Capital and in order to meet the growing demand of CNG, the infrastructure was being increased in a phased manner.

The Tribune, New Delhi, December 06, 2002, Page No.sp3

CSE's solution to pollution:
Use public mode of transport: A major shift from use of private vehicles to clean and subsidised public transport in the Capital is one of the special features of the people's manifesto prepared by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) charting out a long term strategy for clean air in Delhi.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, December 05, 2002, Page No.3

Notice to Govt. on CNG conversion:
The Delhi high court has issued notice to the State Transport Authority (STA) on a petition filed by bus operators who have challenged the monopoly of the only CNG kit fitter in the city. Justice Manmohan Sarin also issued notice to the Union ministry of surface transport and the association of CNG kit fitters and directed all of them to file their replies to the petition.

The Times of India, New Delhi, December 05, 2002, Page No.3

Honda and Toyota plan to release fuel cell test vehicles in the U.S:
Honda Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. said they are each putting a few fuel cell powered test cars on the road in California, placing such cars into the hands of regular drivers for the first time in the U.S. and scoring another point in the fight for high ground in the environmental debate.

The Asian Wall Street Journal, Hong Kong, December 04, 2002, Page No.A7

Govt. firm on banning old vehicles on B'lore roads:
The Karnataka State government today reiterated that movement of 15-year old vehicles will be banned in Bangalore from January 1 next year. The government has already issued a notification in this regard to ensure that 15-year old vehicles are allowed to move only on the outer ring roads, Chief Minister S M Krishna said in his address which was read out in his absence at a programme on "war on air pollution" organised by the Transport Department here.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, December 04, 2002, Page No.4

Vehicular pollution level on the rise in Queen of Hills:
The rising vehicular pollution is no more confined to the metropolitans of the country but is gradually becoming an environmental hazard for the smaller towns too. So is the case with the Queen of Hills which has recorded drastic increase in the vehicular pollution. The increasing pollution level has raised concern for the environment conservation agency State board Environment Protection and Pollution Control board which had made recommendation for introducing cleaner fuels in Himachal Pradesh.

The Indian Express, Chandigarh, December 04, 2002, Page No.4

A breath of fresh air for Delhiites:
Presentation of a "cartoon" by an asthmatic boy to Justice B.N. Kirpal former Chief Justice of India, as an acknowledgment of the Supreme Court's role in ensuring that Delhiites are at least able to breathe provided a solemn setting for the launch of the Anil Agarwal Clean Air Model in New Delhi. The model, originally conceived by the celebrated founder-director of the Centre for Science and Environment, Anil Agarwal, takes stock of current measures to combat vehicular pollution and charts an alternative course to show that vehicular pollution can be tackled through hard decisions.

The Hindu, New Delhi, December 04, 2002, Page No.1 & www.hinduonnet.com

Celebrating what? victory or failure 4 years after?:
As Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and her Cabinet colleagues celebrated the completion of their four year rule, waxing eloquent about their achievements, ground realities present a picture that has in it little to rejoice over. While the government fared well on power front by completing the process of privatisation, potable water supply has not improved. Another important sector where the government failed is that of transport. The Delhi Transport minister Mr. Ajay Maken, accepted at a meeting organised by the Centre for Science and Environment that CNG as a non polluting fuel has been a success in Delhi because of the stands taken by the courts.

The Statesman, New Delhi, December 04, 2002, Page No.3

Leapfrog to CNG or get stuck in smog, says CSE:
The Centre for Science and Environment said today that pollutants in Delhi would come down by more than 70 per cent till 2015 if government follows what it is pushing it to do. CSE, which today released its second People's Manifesto for Clean Air, has used a model, which calculates how much vehicles in Delhi will contribute to pollution. ''As far as emission norms are concerned, we need to leapfrog and keep CNG at least four years ahead of diesel,'' said Sunita Narain, director, CSE. ''Unless we have zero emission vehicles, better fuel and stringent laws, Delhi will head towards thicker smog.'' In four years, air quality in Delhi had stabilised due to buses turning CNG.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, December 04, 2002, Page No.1supp

CNG supply for transport sector:
The government has cut fall-back supplies of natural gas to industries to meet the 2 million standard cubic metres per day requirement of CNG for the transport sector in Delhi, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Tuesday. "In order to comply with the orders of the Supreme Court, the Governemtn has allocated 2 million standard cubic metres per day of gas to Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) for CNG purpose by cutting supplies of the consumers having fall-back allocations along HBJ pipeline, including industries in and around Delhi," the Minister for State for Petroleum, Mr Santosh Kumar Gangwar, said.

Business Line, New Delhi, December 04, 2002, Page No.17

Anti-smoke-emitting vehicles drive after Eid:
Punjab Environment Protection Department (EPD) has directed the district governments to restart the campaign against smoke emitting and noisy vehicles after Eid. Sources in EPD said here on Monday that in order to mitigate the level of air pollution in the cities of Punjab, guidelines for management of air pollution have been forwarded to all District Co-ordination Officers of 34 districts of Punjab. In order to reduce the effects of vehicular emissions, EPD has taken up the matter with the concerned departments for phase wise induction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses in five major cities of Punjab by year 2006; encouraging switchover to CNG by owners of private vehicles; and phasing out two-stroke engines.

Business Recorder (Internet), Pakistan, December 04, 2002

Directive to control air pollution in urban centres:
A guideline for 'Management of Air Pollution' has been sent to all the District Co-ordination Officers (DCOs) of 34 districts of Punjab to control the air quality which considerably deteriorates in the urban centres, particularly during dry season. The Environment Protection Department (EPD), Punjab has issued a seven-point guideline to keep the pollution levels below the permissible limits. The department has issued directions to all the District Governments of the province to re-start the campaign against smoke emitting and noise generating vehicles after Eid.-APP

Business Recorder (Internet), Pakistan, December 04, 2002

Western suburbs have become pollution hot spots: Study:
Bandra may no longer be queen of the suburbs. Chembur no longer the Gas Chamber of Bombay. Mumbaikars don't really need a scientist to tell them which localities are toughest on the lungs, but a new study now confirms pollution patterns that commuters have instinctively known the pollution hot spots of the Mumbai city are now the Western suburbs with their high vehicular traffic, not the traditionally industrial areas of the east.

The Times of India, Mumbai, December 03, 2002, Page No.5

Ex-GM CEO makes "green" auto industry comeback:
Nearly 10 years to the day after he was pushed out as chief of General Motors Corp. (GM.N), Bob Stempel shoveled a handful of dirt to break ground for a new plant in Ohio that could make him a key player in a more environmentally-friendly automotive industry. Stempel is betting that sales of hybrid cars and trucks, powered by conventional gasoline or diesel engines mated to an electric drive system, will grow in the coming years as companies seek more fuel-efficient vehicles. In late October, Stempel ceremoniously kicked off construction of a 170,000-square-foot plant in Springboro, Ohio, that will make enough nickel-metal hydride batteries to supply 50,000 to 60,000 vehicles a year.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, December 03, 2002

The car of the future is...in Japan:
It sounds too good to be true: a car that runs on an inexhaustible power sources and does not harm the environment. But that's exactly what two Japanese automakers put on the road on Monday, with the launch of the world's first fuel cell cars. Toyota Motor and Honda Motor are leasing a handful of the cars to the Japanese Government and several public establishments int eh US in an experimental programme that marks the biggest step yet towards the mass marketing of fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs).

Business Line, New Delhi, December 03, 2002, Page No.3

Task force to check pollution:
An inter agency task force has been constituted to check vehicular pollution which was a major cause of concern from environmentalists. The State Board of Environment Protection and Pollution control which till now had no powers to check vehicular emissions felt handicapped to check this menace. The Member Secretary of the board, Mr. Nagin Nanda informed that according to a study conducted by the Himachal state board it was found that vehicles running on diesel emitted more pollution as compared to the ones using petrol.

The Tribune, New Delhi, December 03, 2002, Page No.10

CNG loop line becomes operational:
The problem of "dead mileage" which had been affecting a large number of buses running on compressed natural gas is expected to ease in parts of West and North-West Delhi with the 23.5 km Western segment of the 12 inch CNG gas pipeline laid by Indraprastha Gas Limited becoming operational. The Loop Line which was supposed to have been commissioned in October 2001, got delayed by over an year because permission for laying it along ring Road was denied by the Delhi Lieutenant Governor.

The Hindu, New Delhi, December 03, 2002, Page No.4 & www.hinduonnet.com

Post diesel ban, pollution levels drop in Delhi:
With diesel buses becoming a part of history, Delhiites have reason to breath easier, literally, according to the pollution levels monitored by the Central Pollution Control board. As analysed by all parameters, there has been a sharp dip on pollution level on 1 December as compared to 24 November on Bahadurshah Zafar Marg. "The decrease in pollution levels could be attributed to the complete removal of diesel buses to a certain extent," said the chairman, CPCB Dr. Dilip Biswas.

The Statesman, New Delhi, December 03, 2002, Page No.4

Trans-boundary air pollution monitoring station by 2003:
Efforts are underway to build and operate a trans-boundary air pollution monitoring station in Rampur, Chitwan, by February 2003.The monitoring station, officials privy to the development say, would go a long way in identifying the source of air pollution in the South Asian region.

The Kathmandu Post, Kathmandu, December 02, 2002, Page No.1

Hard won battle for clean air:
The entire Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) fleet of 2,141 compressed natural gas(CNG) buses will be on the roads on Monday, to mark the end of diesel buses in the city. From 150-odd CNG buses in March 2001 to about 11,400 buses by December 2002, it has been a roller-costar ride for the city's fleet.

The Times of India, New Delhi, December 02, 2002, Page No.3

Oil cos in a bind over gasohol supply:
Just one month to go for deadline for commencing supply of ethanol blended fuel, there are serious doubts whether the oil companies would be able to meet the deadline, at least as far as the four southern States are concerned. A more realistic approach would be to identify smaller areas where supplies could be sustained and extend coverage to other areas in phases, feel the experts. According to sources, sufficient capacity for production of anhydrous ethanol is yet to be put in place. Even where available, the logistics are yet to be streamlined and the oil companies have yet to tie up with suppliers.

Business Line, New Delhi, December 02, 2002, Page No.13

Twists over, CNG pipeline laid:
Indraprastha Gas Ltd. (IGL) has finally completed its 23.5 km West Delhi CNG pipeline. Work on the pipeline had begun on April 27 after the Supreme Court asked agencies to expedite pipeline's commissioning. In spite of the order however, permission for a significant stretch of the pipeline passing through Delhi Cant was granted only in August.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, December 02, 2002, Page No.1supp

Scooters India into pollution-free vehicles:
Move over polluting three wheelers. The state-run Scooters India is going `green' with a vengeance and is planning a string of launches over the next few months which promise zero-pollution vehicles for crowded cities and more riding comfort for the users of public transport vehicles. The company, which makes passenger and load carrier three wheelers, is making a major foray into the electrical/battery operated, non-polluting vehicles business where it has now developed an electrical vehicle load carrier (EVLC) which is awaiting approval of the Pune-based Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).

Business Line, New Delhi, December 01, 2002, Page No.2

Fire in CNG bus no causalities:
A DTC-run CNG bus caught fire late on Saturday evening in the Maharani Bagh area in South Delhi, reports our correspondent. No one was, however, injured as all the passengers managed to alight before the fire could spread. Two fire tenders were rushed to the spot to control the fire.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, December 01, 2002, Page No.9

Last batch of diesel buses go off the roads:
It would mark the end of an era on Delhi roads. Beginning on Dec 1, the entire public transport system in the Capital would run on CNG with the last of the diesel buses going off the roads. The Blueline buses still running on diesel would either be scrapped or ply in another state. In fact, Delhi would be the only city in the world to hold the unique distinction of having an entire public transport fleet plying on the eco-friendly CNG.

The Hindu, New Delhi, December 01, 2002, Page No.4 & www.hinduonnet.com

Clean air plan may hit rough weather:
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board's ambitious plan to provide a clean ambiance in Chennai and rest of the state is expected to run into rough weather with the Transport Department, one of the major pollutants, reluctant to meet the expectations. Even as the principal pollution monitoring agency issued yet another notice to the Transport Department, officials at the Transport Commissionerate accused the TNPCB of singling them out for the mess created by lapses at various levels.

The New Indian Express, Chennai, November 30, 2002, Page No.sp1

Battery powered 3 wheelers to hit Mumbai's roads:
Mumbai city commuters may finally get to see the much touted eco-friendly Bijlee in action soon. Last week, the transport commissioner gave the green signal for a preliminary batch of 90 Mahindra and Mahindra's battery powered three wheelers to run on the city's roads. The zero mission vehicle, which can seat nine passengers, was approved by the Automobile Research Association of India and sanctioned by the state transport commissioner for use in Maharashtra.

The Times of India, Mumbai, November 29, 2002, Page No.3

Finally, it's bye bye diesel buses:
It's end of the the road for diesel buses in Delhi. From Sunday (1st Dec) Delhi will have only CNG buses plying on its roads. The last batch of about 600 diesel buses will be phased out on Saturday(30th Nov). There are about 7400 CNG buses plying on Delhi roads. The impact of the changeover from diesel to CNG has been complex. City NGO, Centre for Science and Environment's director Sunita Narain said : 'The growth of air pollution has been arrested, if one looks at the suspended particulate matter in the city'.

The Times of India, New Delhi, November 29, 2002, Page No.3

Road facts:
It was an awards ceremony for the best maintained highway where Mr. David Friedman, President of Ford India had something to say about Chennai roads. When an 'important lady' travels to the airport, the drive is quicker on NH45 because traffic enforcement officers do their work and bring efficiency to the roads. So all that was required was more policemen on the roads. On reducing pollution and use of alternative fuel for vehicles, he said that a cohesive national fuel policy would benefit the country.

The Hindu, Chennai, November 28, 2002, Page No.2 & www.hinduonnet.com

LPG drive runs out of gas, city still moves on illegal cylinders:
Everyone agrees that Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a cleaner, greener fuel. Unfortunately, it's equally true that LPG is yet to take off as an alternative fuel in Bangalore. LPG is just not available in the prescribed form; there are only two dispensing units in the entire state - Cauvery Station, Koramangala, and Engrades Station, Mysore Road, Bangalore. The detachable cylinders that many vehicle-owners use on city roads these days are illegal, as per the Motor Vehicles Act, and dangerous too.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, November 27, 2002, Page No.1supp

More cities to get green fuel by April 2003:
The oil ministry asked state owned oil marketing companies to start supplying clean diesel with low sulphur content in urban areas of Hyderabad-Secunderabad and Mumbai metropolitan region from December 16.

The Times of India, New Delhi, November 27, 2002, Page No.5

Branded fuels for vehicles of new millennium:
The dismantling of the Administered Price Mechanism for petroleum products seems to be turning into a boon for petrol and diesel users in the country. Not long after Bharat Petroleum launched its branded petrol 'Speed' in the Hyderabad, rival Hindustan Corporation Ltd. has come out with its answer to 'Speed' with 'Power; and 'Turbojet'.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, November 26, 2002, Page No.sp1

LPG to fuel old cars soon:
Come April and it'll be time to install LPG conversion kits in engines of petrol and diesel driven cars and auto-rickshaws older than 12 years throughout the state. The kits manufactured under licence from three Central government approved research centres cost Rs 15000 each and will be available in the market before the deadline.

The Statesman, Kolkata, November 25, 2002, Page No.1(s)

Seoul plans to ape CNG model to clean its air:
With one of the highest population densities in the world an soaring levels of air pollution, the city of Seoul plans to take a lesson or two on compressed natural gas (CNG) from Delhi. The South Korean capital faces problems quite similar to Delhi - vehicular pollution, proper disposal of waste, housing and traffic congestion.

The Times of India, New Delhi, November 25, 2002, Page No.3

Non-polluting vehicles to be launched in Kolkata soon:
Kolkata city will soon have environment-friendly passenger-carrying vehicles plying on the roads, a better alternative to the smoke-emitting taxies and auto rickshaws. Scooters India, a Lucknow-bassed public sector company, is currently holding talks with the state transport department to chalk out specific routes around the city and set up charging stations to introduce its electric vehicle Vikram EV on a commercial scale.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, November 24, 2002, Page No.11

Uttaranchal to replace diesel tempos with CNG buses:
In an effort to protect the fragile Himalayan environment of Uttaranchal and attract tourists, pollution-free buses will be introduced in major tourist towns of Uttaranchal. The Uttaranchal Transport and Technical Education Minster, Mr. Hira Singh Bisht, said that the diesel tempos "Vikram" spew a lot of smoke, and so the state government was not issuing any permit to new tempos and nor was it extending the licenses of the existing ones.

Business Line, New Delhi, November 23, 2002, Page No.17

Study to link city pollution, health:
A comprehensive review of studies on air pollution and its impact in Delhi will be carried out by a US-based institute in the next four years. The review will attempt to establish a conclusive relationship between air pollution and health. Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) director Sunita Narain said 'The auto fuel policy statement prepared by the Mashelkar committee stresses that the studies don't establish any link between pollution health hazards. Such a review will help correct this perception.

The Times of India, Delhi, November 23, 2002

Govt may take right turn on green road:
Ever heard of a plant called jatropha curcas? For several years now, folks in the tribal belt of Bastar have been using oil extracted from the plant to run motorcycles and farm equipment instead of conventional fuels. Studies have shown the extract to be superior to diesel and petrol. And the vehicles do not need any modification in engines to be run this alternative fuel.

The Economic Times, New Delhi, November 22, 2002, Page No.4

TN gives green signal for anhydrous ethanol:
The Tamil Nadu Government has passed an order enabling distilleries to manufacture, transport and handle anhydrous ethanol in the State.This paves the way for production of ethanol-blended petrol - gasohol - by permitting distilleries to set up anhydrous alcohol manufacturing facilities and the oil companies to handle and transport ethanol within the State. According to reliable sources, the order has been long-awaited one since it was a prerequisite for supplying ethanol-blended fuel, the supply of which has been made mandatory from January 2003, by the Central Government.

Business Line, New Delhi, November 22, 2002, Page No.17

Bush auto fuel efficiency plan criticized:
Auto makers and environmentalists this week criticized a draft Bush administration plan to raise fuel economy standards for sport utility vehicles and other light trucks. An administration source said the proposal under development would boost fuel standards for that popular class of vehicles by 1.5 miles per gallon between the 2005-2007 model years. The total would be realized in half-gallon annual increases.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, November 22, 2002

Holy wrath descends on gas guzzlers:
Senior US religious leaders descended on Detroit, the car capital of the world, to demand that the 'big three' automotive groups build more environmentally friendly cars and stop 'blowing second-hand smoke to God's creation'.

Financial Times, London, November 21, 2002, Page No.4

Warning:
Stop that smoke or cough up fine: Motorists beware. Keep your vehicle emission under check or you will not only end up paying a fine but also face action for high emission levels. Transport department officials are on a special drive to catch pollution vehicles. "If the motorists keep their emissions in check, it will not only reduce air pollution but also keep them from facing action," Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Bangalore, Jnanendra Kumar told.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, November 21, 2002, Page No.1supp

City to get low sulphur fuel from Dec 16:
The union Petroleum ministry has announced that petrol and diesel containing less sulphur will be supplied to Hyderabad from December 16. the fuel presently being supplied in the city contains 0.25 per cent sulphur. The fuel with 0.05 per cent sulphur was already introduced in the four metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, November 20, 2002, Page No.sp1

Rajahmundry ethanol blending project launched:
Consumption of ethanol-blended petrol will be launched in nine States, including Andhra Pradesh and four Union Territories from January 1, 2003 in the first phase of the project. The other States to be covered are Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Goa. The Union Territories are Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Chandigarh and Pondicherry. Blending of five per cent ethanol with petrol would be mandatory in all these areas, which together account for 65 per cent of the total consumption in the country.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, November 20, 2002, Page No.4

Expedite Ghatkopar-Andheri sky bus project:
Kirit Somaiya: Mumbaikars will be relieved of some of their transportation problems as the Maharashtra and Centre are jointly willing to execute projects such as the sky bus, with aim of easing traffic and traveling with comfort and at affordable rates. This was revealed by MP Kirit Somaiya, addressing the media at the BJP headquarters.

The Free Press Journal, Mumbai, November 20, 2002, Page No.3

Toyota touts green cars:
Toyota Motor Corp. said that it would lease its hydrogen-powered, fuel cell passenger vehicles to the Japanese government starting Dec 2. Toyota said it would provide the fuel-cell hybrid vehicles, or FCHVs, under 30-month leases for $9921 a month.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, November 19, 2002, Page No.B2

'Bijlee' strikes Mumbai's autorickshaws:
The Maharashtra government's efforts to clean up the city are laudable. But it seems a difficult task ahead to make the dream come true. Just as the answer to an over polluted city like Mumbai, Maharashtra has finally given the permission to Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd (M&M) for running its battery-operated three-wheeler scooter rickshaw (TSR) 'Bijlee' for commercial purposes in Mumbai suburbs.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, November 19, 2002, Page No.1

Green fuel launch tomorrow:
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Ram Naik would launch the much awaited five per cent ethanol blended petrol for the first time in South India at Gummalladoddi in Gokavaram mandal of East Godavari district in presence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Nov 18. The ethanol blended petrol, besides saving valuable foreign exchange, would also ensure a greener environment with lower emission properties.

Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabad, November 18, 2002, Page No.12

Ethanol-doped-petrol to be made compulsory:
Petroleum minister Ram Naik said that mixing ethanol in petrol would be made compulsory in the entire country, beginning with nine states from January 1, 2003.

The Indian Express, Mumbai, November 18, 2002, Page No.2

National policy on bio-diesel soon:
A national policy on bio-diesel is expected to be finalised soon, according to the chairman of Samagra Vikasa, a group dedicated individuals committed to social action, Y B Ramakrishna. Talking to reporters in Shimoga, Karnataka, on Sunday, he said Union Minister of State for Rural Development Anna Saheb M K Patil had hinted at this during a two-day workshop on bio-diesel from non-edible oils held at Lakkihalli Farm in Tiptur taluk in the first week of November.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, November 18, 2002, Page No.4

Electric bus ready for the roads:
Howard Ross believes the future of public transportation sits in a former metalwoks warehouse in the Boston neighbourhood of Hyde Park. The two buses housed there are standard, nondescript 40-foot vehicles used by most transit systems. But there is one key and potentially revolutionary twist -they run on electricity, a cleaner and much more plentiful alternative to fossil fuels.

The Times of India, New Delhi, November 18, 2002, Page No.12

MGL to invest Rs 375 cr in PNG and CNG projects:
Mahanagar Gas Ltd will invest Rs 375 crore in the Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) projects in Delhi over the next 15 to 24 months. Out of the total investment Rs 250 crore will be invested for the capital intensive PNG project to provide connections all across Delhi.

The Statesman, New Delhi, November 18, 2002, Page No.13

Biofuel demand to drive commodity crops:
Rapeseed, sunflowers, corn, sugar beets and other commodity crops are likely to see a surge in their use as vehicle fuels in the next few years, creating hefty new demand as this use takes its place beside food and animal feed as a major reason for buying crops. Behind the drive to use crop-based "biofuels" is the European union's concern about energy security. Its desire to reduce the EU's rapidly growing reliance on foreign oil and gas has led ti to set goals of having 2% of EU vehicle fuel come from renewable resources by 2005, and almost 6% by 2010.

Business Line, New Delhi, November 17, 2002, Page No.1

Dist council for ban on vehicles emitting smoke:
The Hyderabad district council, (Pakistan) through a resolution adopted, proposed to ban the entry of smoke-emitting vehicles in the city. The resolution also proposed other measures to improve traffic system in Hyderabad city and district. Tabling the resolution, Sumera Akhlaq Lodhi said traffic-related problems were increasing in the district because of the incompetence of the traffic police and the poor traffic management system.

Dawn (Internet), Pakistan, November 17, 2002

Naidu launches LPG kit for autos:
India's first LPG-conversion kit meant for autorickshaws, brought out as a marketable product by Hyderabad-based Shri Shakti LPG Limited, was launched here today by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, who flagged off a few autos run on LPG.

The kit costs Rs. 12,000 per unit and if the Government gives sales tax exemption as sought by the Shakti Group chairman, D. V. Manohar, it comes down by Rs. 1,000. There are about 80,000 autos in Hyderabad-Secunderabad and Shakti is capable of effecting the conversion, covering 15,000 of them per month.

The Hindu, New Delhi, November 17, 2002, Page No.6, & www.hinduonnet.com

90% CNG buses did not clear the safety norms:
Though 90% CNG buses did not clear the safety norms, the Delhi Transport Department has started issuing permits to them. In one month 205 buses were tested of which only 20 cleared the test.

Rashtriya Sahara, New Delhi, November 17, 2002, Page No.3

Govt. bans old transport vehicles to check pollution:
As part of the plan to ban old, polluting vehicles in Bangalore city, no transport vehicles older than 20 years will be allowed to ply the city, Transport Commissioner Thimme Gowda said. The Government will further ban vehicles older than 15 years in a phased manner, Gowda said. In the first phase, vehicles older than 20 year will not be allowed to ply within city limits from January 1, 2003. And vehicles 17 years old or more will banned from May 1, 2003. In the next phase, vehicles over 15 years old will not be allowed to ply in the city from May 1, 2004, he said.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, November 16, 2002, Page No.1supp

No 2-stroke vehicles on city streets after Dec 31:
There will be no two-stroke vehicles on the city streets of Bangladesh after December 31 this year. 'To check environment pollution, we have already taken a number of steps, including the banning of two-stroke engines, use of catalytic converter and lead-free fuel', Environment and Forest Minister Shahjahan Siraj said.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, November 15, 2002, Page No.16

17 vehicles condemned for pollution:
The Andhra Pradesh government had so far condemned only 17 out of the total 477 vehicles identified as causing pollution, minister for transport M Damodar Reddy told the State Assembly on Monday. The government was determined to phase out all of them progressively, he informed.

Newstime, Hyderabad, November 12, 2002, Page No.5

Streetsmart auto drivers give the rules the go-by: Although the District Administration has banned autorickshaws older than 15 years and issued guidelines for plying of such vehicles in the Faridabad town, several three wheelers are still seen on the roads. It is recorded that many autorickshaws are not following the rules of plying according to registration number even though the authorities made it binding that the autorickshaws having 'even' and 'odd registration numbers will have to operate on even and odd dates respectively and if one was found violating the rules, he will face the music.

The Tribune, New Delhi, November 12, 2002, Page No.sp1

Heavy fuel:
Starting next year, petrol at fuel pumps will contain five per cent of ethanol. As per a major decision made by Petroleum Minister Ram Naik, this 'spiked' petrol will be made mandatory in nine major sugarcane-growing states. By September next year, the policy will affect the entire country. A recent convention on 'bio-fuels' saw experts from the field of ethanol industry, environment and automotive engineering discuss ideas and the viability of the concept. Says Anumita from CSE, "Two years back when the government decided to take MTBE as an oxygenating agent, we protested. MTBE had by then already been been labelled as toxic in the US and we wanted India to learn from their mistakes. Ethanol should have been used as an oxygenating agent back then. Ethanol is a good bet for fuel." Other fears are put to rest when Swain says, "Relax, the fumes from the alcohol will not make you drunk.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, November 12, 2002, Page No.4supp

'Safe' CNG bus catches fire:
A CNG bus, converted form diesel mode and meeting latest safety norms, caught fire while begin inspected by experts appointed by Transport Department at its inspection pit in Burari, northwest Delhi, on Monday afternoon. Four persons sustained major fire injuries and have been admitted in a nearby hospital.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, November 12, 2002, Page No.7

Heavy fuel by Anup Kutty:
Starting next year, petrol at fuel pumps will contain five per cent of ethanol. As per a major decision made by Petroleum Minister Ram Naik, this 'spiked' petrol will be made madatory in nine major sugarcane-growing states, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Goa and four Union Territories of Daman & Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Chandigarh and Pondicherry.The Centre for Science and Environment is satisfied with the results of fuel ethanol.Says Anumita from CSE,"Two years back when the government decided to take MTBE as an oxygenating agent, we protested. MTBE had by then already been labelled as toxic in the US and we wanted India to learn from their mistakes. Ethanol should have been used as an oxygenating agent back then.Ethanol is a good bet for fuel."

The Pioneer, New Delhi, November 12, 2002

Govt plea for extension of deadline is welcomed:
After a whole year of repeatedly threatening to go on strike and several meetings with state (Maharashtra) government representatives, truck and tempo owners finally got the respite they were hoping for. A year after a court order directing all goods vehicles and buses which have crossed the age of 15 years to be either converted to CNG or sent to the scrap yard, the state government has finally cleared the air, filing an affidavit in High Court on October 22 stating that there are no Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) kits available in the market for these vehicles.The affidavit suggests that the deadline for conversion to CNG, therefore be extended.

The Indian Express, Mumbai, November 11, 2002, Page No.3

No time for excuses:
The new auto fuel policy now put up for discussion and to be adopted next year, has provoked howls of protest from carmakers and oil companies.Both argue that it'll be costly to shift to cleaner fuels - vehicles will need technology upgrades, legacy refineries in many parts of India will require large investments to churn out clean-burning fuels.So what? India produces some of the dirtiest fuel in the world, till recently pollution standards were lax, not monitored and nobody seemed to care.Judicial interventions through the last 10 years have forced better environmental standards on vehicle makers; at least in big cities like Delhi, the effects of the cleanup are noticeable.......Editorial.

The Economic Times, New Delhi, November 11, 2002, Page No.6

Adulterated petrol pollutes Sonepat:
In and around Sonepat, most of the filling stations are allegedly selling adulterated petrol, and the authorities have just winked at the practice. According to a report, they also weigh less fuel to the customers since there is no arrangement for public utility service at these filling stations. The vehicle owners are thus forced to buy petrol mixed with solvent, which increases air pollution in the area. About 90 per cent of the petrol pump owners are allegedly involved in this malpractice. They also allegedly sell adulterated lubricants to the two-wheelers, which soon render the vehicles out of order.

The Tribune, New Delhi, November 11, 2002, Page No.sp2

Unified colours for Delhi buses:
Soon the Capital's local public transport system, both private and DTC buses, will have a unified colour scheme. Not only this, taking forward the concept of "Green Delhi'' slogan, the DTC has decided to paint all its bus Q-shelters green. Flashy signboards in green are also being installed at all the bus depots across the Capital in a bid to not only revive the fortunes of the loss making Corporation but also give it a new eco-friendly image. The Transport Minister, Ajay Maken, said a new colour scheme was being introduced for both DTC and private bus operators in order to bring uniformity in the local transport system plying on Delhi roads. Under the newly approved scheme, the private bus operators would use the reverse colour scheme of what is being used by the DTC buses

The Hindu, New Delhi, November 11, 2002, Page No.4

CNG filling woes to end:
With the focus shifting to use of eco-friendly CNG in Delhi and faced with a prospect of a huge CNG bus fleet, the Delhi Transport Department is all set to introduce new technology for massive filling of buses on one hand and even reaching out to the kitchens of people for filling CNG in private vehicles operating on this mode.The Transport Department, along with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), has decided to carry out a study for introduction of the "Time Filling'' and "Backyard Filling'' concept to meet the ever expanding needs of the increasing CNG vehicle population in the Capital. Presently, this technique is being utilised by CNG fleets in various parts of the world including the United States and some European countries. At present, 47 countries are using CNG for running different modes of transport.

The Hindu, New Delhi, November 10, 2002, Page No.4

Mixed petrol in 9 states from Jan 1:
Nine states and four union Territories will sell only petrol laced with 5 per cent, ethanol from January 1. This is expected to cost 75 paise a litre less than conventional petrol. From January 1, 2003, petrol mixed with 5 per cent ethanol would be supplied in the nine major sugarcane growing states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Goa and four Union Territories of Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Chandigarh and Pondicherry, Petroleum minister Ram Naik said.

Business Standard, New Delhi, November 09,2002, Page No.2

No CNG/LPG option for private vehicles at present:
Private vehicles owners in Delhi will have to continue using costlier fuels to run their vehicles even they are more polluting. They will not have the option to run their vehicles on eco-friendly Compressed Natural Gas or Liquefied Petroleum Gas. According to a Policy decisions taken by the Delhi Government, no fresh registrations of private vehicles running on LPG or CNG will be allowed. Officials say it would not be possible to supply LPG or CNG for the private vehicles because of the limited number of filling stations.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, November 9, 2002, Page No.2

9 states get ready for Naik's green fuel:
Oil minister Ram Naik will meet the excise and sugarcane ministers from nine sugarcane-growing states. The agenda is to smoothen the bumps in the way to start commercial sales of gasohol -petrol laced with 5 per cent ethanol in these states from January 1.

The Times of India, New Delhi, November 07, 2002, Page No.7

1,000 new CNG buses by April: Delhi will get 1,000 new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses in the next six months. Of these, 170 buses will start plying by December 15. With this, the strength of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus fleet will go up to 3,141 and the corporation will become the single largest CNG bus operator in the country. The induction of the new CNG buses in the fleet was approved by the DTC board recently. The state government is footing the bill for these buses at the rate of about Rs 14 lakh per bus. "The state government is spending the money from its planned funds," a transport department official said.

The Times of India, New Delhi, November 07, 2002, Page No.3

Adults spoil the show on Diwali:
Children might have said a loud "No" to crackers, but not the adults, particularly the new-rich and compulsive rebels, who defied the "Say No to Crackers" campaign this Diwali.Consequently there was only a slight decline in air pollution levels compared to last year, while the noise levels registered an increase at several places specially the post colonies of the Capital.Anumita Roy Chowdhury of the Centre for Science and Environment said the CPCB and DPCC figures revealed that there was need to involve the other sections of society as well and not just children alone. "All the stake holders needs to be convinced about the ill-effects of crackers," she said.

The Hindu, New Delhi, November 06, 2002

Delhi's Diwali gas chamber by Shubhajit Roy and Radhika D Srivastava:
Five years back, the state government had launched its anti- firecrackers campaign to help rein in the city's galloping air pollution figures. Till date, every Diwali, we are left gasping for breath. Pollution levels have been steadily risng in the past three years.Pollution levels don't rise on Diwali only, but remain significantly high even in the days preceding the festival."The number of vehciles on the road rise during the festive season, thus increasing pollution," said Centre for Science and Environment director Sunita Narain.

The Times of India, New Delhi, November 04, 2002

DM gets his official car's pollution check:
On the first day of the Tranport Month the District Magistrate gets his official car's pollution check in Gaziabad. On the first day of the campaign 329 vehicles were tested.

Amar Ujala, Meerut, November 02, 2002, Page No.6

Delhi's Diwali gas chamber
Five years back, the Delhi state government had launched its anti- firecrackers campaign to help rein in the city's galloping air pollution figures. Till date, every Diwali, we are left gasping for breath. Pollution levels have been steadily rising in the pat three years. According to the air quality monitoring station at ITO, except sulphur oxides, all polluting gases like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and particulate matters have risen since 1999. 'The number of vehicles on the road rise during the festive season, thus increasing pollution', said Centre for Science and Environment director Sunita Narain.

The Times of India - Delhi - November 05, 2002

CMG: A burning issue in Kerala:
A writ petition seeking to directed the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to switch over to CNG from diesel as fuel for its fleet, within a reasonable timeframe, has been admitted by the Kerala High Court. It was submitted before the Court that KSRTC, which has more than 5,000 buses, dies not undergo any regular pollution checks or carry any pollution-free certificate. Most buses emit carbon monoxide much above the prescribed limit and the police do not take action for obvious reasons.

Business Line, New Delhi, November 04, 2002, Page No.6

Faridabad plan to rein in autos:
The Faridabad district administration has at last launched its 'ambitious plan' to check the plying of outdated and polluting autorickshaws in this industrial town. The scheme to decongest the city roads by allowing autorickshaws to ply on alternate days has also come into effect, bringing some relief to commuters.

The Tribune, New Delhi, November 03, 2002, Page No.sp1

Car labelling promotes greener cars:
A new scheme to steer buyers towards greener cars will see UK dealers placing colour-coded labels on new and second-hand cars in selected show rooms. The pilot scheme will enable car-buyers to compare the environmental performance of cars, using colour-coded labels similar to the EU energy labels for appliances. Labels will be based on the carbon dioxide emission bands that determine how much vehicle excise duty (VED) people pay.

Edie (Internet), UK, Novembe 01, 2002

Diesel buses are history from today:
From Friday, diesel buses will be a thing of the past. Thursday was the last day for 275 diesel buses running on the roads of Delhi after paying a fine of Rs 1,000. "The diesel buses will be off the roads for midnight today," said Transport Minster Ajay Maken. The Delhi Government has decided to constitute teams to keep vigil on the roads to prevent any unauthorized diesel buses from running.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, November 01, 2002, Page No.7

US oil, car industries can meet clean diesel rule:
U.S. petroleum refiners and diesel engine manufacturers should not have problems meeting new federal standards to cut the amount of sulfur in diesel fuel, an Environmental Protection Agency review panel said. In its final report, the panel said technology will not prevent the U.S. oil industry from complying with EPA's goal of slashing the sulfur level in diesel fuel by 97 percent to just 15 parts per million (ppm) by 2006.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, November 01, 2002

'No pollution certificate, no fuel? We need to think again': The Transport Department has shelved its proposal to refuse fuel to vehicles without emission certificates. It now plans to spread awareness Labour the hazards of air pollution. Joint Commissioner (Enforcement) transport department, M Suleman confirmed that officials were now working on other proposals to create awareness.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, October 30, 2002, Page No.1supp

More CNG stations sought:
An increase in the number of CNG filling stations and an increase in the number of online stations top the recommendations of a committee set up to inquire into the problems in CNG supply in Mumbai.The committee, which submitted its report around 10 days ago, states the ratio of vehicles to filling stations is 1,500 taxis to a single station while ideally, it ought to be 1,000 taxis per online station.

The Indian Express, Mumbai, October 30, 2002, Page No.1sp

Demand for CNG station in Noida:
Most buses from Delhi to Noida are CNG, but there is not even a single CNG station in Noida. So the bus drivers and owners take help from Delhi's CNG stations. Drivers say that when CNG buses are running in Noida, then there should also be CNG stations.

Navbharat Times, New Delhi, October 30, 2002, Page No.4

US govt ranks most fuel-efficient 2003 vehicles:
The U.S. government released its rankings of the most fuel-efficient sport utility vehicles, mini-vans, cars and pick-up trucks manufactured for the 2003 model year. The ranking, prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Energy Department.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, October 30, 2002

Japanese court absolves carmakers, asks govt to pay pollution victims:
A Japanese court ordered the central and Tokyo city governments to pay compensation for health problems caused by diesel exhaust fumes but rejected a demand that vehicle makers be made to pay as well. It was also the first time that Japanese automakers had been taken to court in a suit over health problems related to pollution.

The Economic Times, New Delhi, October 30, 2002, Page No.16

Revving up the Reva:
It is already being billed as the "next generation machine".Yes, Reva, India's first electric car, is a non-polluting and yet very affordable personal transport that will be a boon to city commuters.Reva and Vikram are just two of the many fuel-efficient transport vehciles powered by non-conventional energy sources which in the light of the CoP 8 meeting of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) assumes added significance. These and other battery operated buses developed by various agencies concerned are on display at a three-day special exhibition at Ashok Hotel lawns organised by the Ministry of Non- Conventional Energy Sources.Pariticipating in the exhibition are a host of Government agencies like the Petroleum Conservation Research Association, National Hydro-electric Power Corporation, Indian Oil Corporation besides non-governmental organisations like the Tata Energy Research Institute, Centre for Science and Environment, IREDA and others.

The Hindu, New Delhi, October 29, 2002

Faridabad pollution for all to see:
The Faridabad district authorities have decided to install a light emitting diode instrument to display the level of pollution in the town. According to Deputy Commissioner Anil Malik, the instrument sponsored by 'Shirepool India Limited', would be placed at Ajronda Chowk on the National highway which is one of the busiest traffic points in the town.

The Tribune, New Delhi, October 29, 2002, Page No.sp1

Centres to check for carbon emission soon:
More than 200 carbon emission inspection centres for public and private vehicles are to be established in Delhi by 2005. Different from existing pollution checking centres, these centres are being set up to cut down carbon levels in the city.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, October 27, 2002, Page No.3supp

Extended CNG pipeline by November:
The CNG crisis that had rocked Delhi and turned bus and taxi drivers violent seems to be finally over. The reason being that the 23-km, 12-inch diameter steel pipeline extending from Dhaula Kuan to GT Road is nearing completion. IGL, the sole distributor of CNG in Delhi, plans to complete the pipeline by November. With the completion of the CNG pipeline it would be possible to convert eight 'daughter' and 'daughter booster' stations to 'mother stations' and also to commission six new CNG stations at DTC depots.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, October 28, 2002, Page No.1

Cycle rally against pollution:
Twenty nine cyclists of Airads Ltd, a aleading advertising agency, have set out on a Delhi-Agra cycle rally to spread the message of a "pollution free environment". The rally was flagged off by chairman of Airads, Rajeev Gupta, on Oct 25.

The Tribune, New Delhi, October 27, 2002, Page No.sp4

CNG cylinder catches fire:
Three blue-line buses were damaged when a CNG cylinder caught fire at a private workshop in south west Delhi on Friday (25th Oct) evening. No one was injured.

The Statesman, New Delhi, October 26, 2002, Page No.4

Singh agrees 75p/ltr concession to ethanol-doped petrol:
Finance Minister Jaswant Singh has agreed for giving 75 paise per litre duty concession on ethanol-blended petrol, which would be supplied in nine states and four Union Territories from January 1, 2003. Finance ministry would soon be issuing notification for 75 paise per litre concession in excise duty, as was announced in budget for 2002-2003 but had bee delayed for lack of clarity in definition, government sources said.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, October 25, 2002, Page No.11

Hydrogen car: India aboard US project:
The future is that of the hydrogen car, maintains the US, and India is firmly on board. The US has prepared a roadmap for transition to a hydrogen-based economy by the year 2030, and the development of a hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle is central to it. It's labeled Freedom Car, symbolizing freedom from polluting fossil fuels as a zero emission vehicle, and the development of hydrogen as the primary fuel for cars and trucks.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, October 25, 2002, Page No.10

Ban on 15 yr. old autos:
Admitting that air pollution in the Faridabad has been growing, the Deputy Commissioner announced that the administration would soon ban the plying of auto rickshaws that are more than 15 years old. The 'Action Plan', which was formulated after a meeting of the authorities with Pollution Control Board officials states that the air pollution has gone up severely in the town over the years and thousands of three wheeler autorickshaws have been mainly responsible for it.

The Tribune, New Delhi, October 25, 2002, Page No.sp3

Buses key to Delhi's future:
SA policy which promises to shift the emphasis from personal vehicles to cheap and pollution free public transport was unveiled by the Delhi Government on Tuesday. Five thousand more buses will be put on the road as the policy is implemented in phases over five years. Services will be structured to complement the Metro Rail.

The Times of India, New Delhi, October 23, 2002, Page No.1

Govts. wants buses yellow, smelly CNG:
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit plans to paint half the city's buses yellow in six months. No extra markings will be allowed on the buses. Ads as well as any other slogans would be banned on all buses. Not only would CNG buses have a uniform colour, they would get an odour. CNG is an odour less gas and its leakage therefore cannot be identified, said Transport Commissioner, Sindhushree Khullar. We therefore decided to get the Indraprastha Gas Limited to add an odour to CNG.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, October 23, 2002, Page No.3supp

'Public transport yet to catch the bus':
Transport in Delhi is in a mess due to the increasing number of private vehicles which prevented the concept of mass commuting like in Mumbai, feel experts. "The Central Pollution Control Board did a study in 1995 and recommended high capacity buses in Delhi," said CPCB chairman Dilip Biswas. He said, "If private vehicles continue to grow the way they are it will only lead to chaos."

The Indian Express, New Delhi, October 23, 2002, Page No.3supp

CNG pipeline hits another block in W Delhi: Area MLA:
The 23-km CNG pipeline being laid by Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) in West Delhi which was stuck for six months until work began this August has hit another road-block. Now, work has been stopped in Naraina for the last three days as Deputy Speaker and area MLA Kiran Chaudhary and her supporters are protesting against the pipeline, claiming that it would cause disruptions.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, October 22, 2002, Page No.1supp

Clean burn technology:
The idea of alternatives to fossil fuels has been around for 150 years now. But fossil fuel vehicles have proved popular because of the compact size of the power unit and the distance it can cover without refueling. However, with the negative effects on the environment and the depletion of the global reserve of these fuels, the case for switching to alternative fuels is getting stronger by the day.

Business World, New Delhi, October 21, 2002, Page No.56

GPCB chalks out action plan to curb air pollution in Surat:
In view of the increasing air pollution, an action plan has been chalked out by Gujarat Pollution Control board to curb the pollution menace in the Surat city. This includes to convert petrol/diesel run three wheelers to CNG and LPG ones, to monitor strictly vehicles using adulterated fuel, to enforce PUCs and to amend Motor Vehicles Act for prohibiting old vehicles from plying on roads.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, October 20, 2002, Page No.5

Emission checks:
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is now providing smoke emission checks at all its divisional workshops of various divisions to check emissions and issuing certificates for private diesel vehicles at a cost of Rs 50, an official release stated.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, October 18, 2002, Page No.3supp

'Fuel price rise will increase pollution':
The Petrol Dealers Association has criticised the Maharashtra State's decision to increase the price of petrol and diesel, claiming that this will encourage transporters to use cheaper, more polluting alternatives like kerosene. With the increase, the price of petrol is close to Rs 35, while diesel costs more than 24.50. Transporters are likely to begin to operate on highly polluting kerosene, which is ten rupees cheaper than diesel, the association claims.

The Times of India, Mumbai, October 18, 2002, Page No.5

State to get new fuel:
The Andhra Pradesh Government had decided to lay emphasis on a cleaner environment with lesser carbon monoxide emissions from automobiles and hence decided to ensure all the vehicles get ethanol-blended petrol all over the State from next year. Sources in the Indian Oil Corporation said that it would also immensely benefit the sugarcane farmers, as almost five per cent of saving is possible on foreign exchange, with the full fledged sale of ethanol blended petrol.

Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabad, October 18, 2002, Page No.9)

CNG opens Bangla doors for Gail:
Delhi owned gas utility Gail is studying the feasibility of starting a city CNG service for Dhaka in Bangladesh as part of an ADB programme, even as the company has sought the oil ministry's nod for retailing 2 to 3 per cent equity to enhance stock liquidity on the bourses. "We have approached the government for permission to offload 2-3 per cent equity in the retail market', chairman Prashan to Banerjee said.

The Times of India, New Delhi, October 18, 2002, Page No.10

EPA set to OK Massachusetts vehicle emissions program:
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed approving a vehicle low emission program for Massachusetts, but will postpone acting on those parts of the plan that include the tough zero emission standards adopted in California that Justice Department lawyers oppose.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, October 18, 2002

Low-sulphur fuel, CNG in all major cities soon:
In an effort to reduce the incidence of respiratory diseases as a result of rising vehicular pollution, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests will urge the Petroleum Ministry to supply low sulphur fuel and introduce CNG in major metros, including Chennai. "The Ministry is already supplying low benzene and low-sulphur fuel in cities like Chennai. the same will be introduced in other cities soon," Union minister for Environment and Forests, T R Baalu said.

The New Indian Express, Chennai, October 17, 2002, Page No.sp1

Plan to install CNG pipelines:
Imagine having the daily fill of CNG in your car right in your backyard. Or a Delhi Transport Corporation bus being refuelled while being parked in a bus depot itself. These are some of the ideas the Delhi transport minister, Mr Ajay Maken, has just returned with after attending a week-long 'International conference on natural gas vehicles' in Washington. 'Such facilities are already available in the United States and are saving much manpower and time. According to transport minister, since 18 of the 30 DTC bus depots have already been connected with CNG pipelines,all that the transport department will need to do is install more small compressors at each depot.

The Statesman, New Delhi, October 17, 2002, Page No.2

Efficient diesel engines:
Engineers have been barking on the wrong tree in their efforts to make diesel engines run cleaner and more efficiently. A new X-ray study has revealed a type of supersonic shock wave that no one has seen before in diesel cars. "Nobody had any idea this was going on," says Jin Wang of the Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois, U.S. Engine designers will now have to scrap their old models of fuel mixing and combustion.

The Hindu, New Delhi, October 17, 2002, Page No.16

White House, EPA clash on lower vehicle emissions:
The Environmental Protection Agency is again at odds with the White House on clean air policies, with the EPA proposing this week to approve a vehicle low emission program for Massachusetts that Justice Department lawyers oppose for California. The Massachusetts program incorporates the California vehicle low emission standards that the Bush administration said earlier this month infringed on the federal government's authority to set vehicle mileage requirements.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, October 17, 2002

Greenhouse effect, by Soumya Viswanathan
Environmental issues continue to be a growing concern the world over. Thus, opting for a career as an environmentalists can prove to be a good decision. Employment opportunities are diverse in this field. The field offers myriad options and is bound to interest those who genuinely feel for the environment. An environmental scientist can find employment in research science centres like Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Centre for Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Department for Environment (DOE) among many others.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, October 16, 2002

Fuel lacing burns a Rs 10,000 crore hole in economy:
Adulteration in petrol, diesel and other petroleum products is costing a whopping Rs 10,000 crore loss to the economy and at least 2,500 crore to the national exchequer, a study by the Petroleum Ministry reveals. The fuel adulteration is also a major cause for increased air pollution, leading to environmental and health related problems, the study said. The study conducted by the anti-adulteration cell of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, also identified six major reasons for the adulteration including price differential and diversion of public distribution kerosene to the extent of around 30 per cent.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, October 14, 2002, Page No.9

Conversion firms oppose fee for inspection:
Private companies undertaking the conversion of diesel buses to CNG mode are at loggerheads with the Transport Department. All the five conversion companies have joined hands to oppose the Transport Department's notification that these agencies will have to pay Rs 2,500 for re-inspection of buses. But the officials are adamant to give relief to the bus owners.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, October 14, 2002, Page No.3

Reva rakes in orders from UK, Japan:
Taking advantage of the sops for eco-friendly cars, Reva, India's first electric car has secured export orders from the UK and Japan. Also, the Reva Electrical Car company is planning to export the Reva to Malta, Malaysia and Japan by 2003 end, and is hopeful of getting export certification from Germany in a month's time. RECC has stepped up its production capacity to 6,000 units per year to meet the demand.

Business Standard, New Delhi, October 14, 2002, Page No.4)

EU firms join forces to make hydrogen dream work:
European car and energy firms said they were joining forces to bring hydrogen-fuelled transport closer to reality. Royal Dutch/Shell , DaimlerChrysler , Renault and 15 other companies joined a group founded by the European Commission to keep Europe's hydrogen firms on track with rivals in Japan and the United States."Compared with the United States and Japan, up to now we didn't really have a European programme," said Pierre Beuzit, vice-president of research at Renault. "One company alone is not able to develop the technology. We need to work together," he said.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, October 14, 2002

Kids don't breathe easy in city, says study:
The effect of pollution on Delhiites has long been discussed hypothetically, but a study conducted by Sir Ganga Ram Hospital shows the incidence is almost double among children here as compared to those in suburban towns. Children belonging to affluent families are more likely to get the disease. The study is a comparative analysis of data collected from two schools in Delhi (Rajendra Nagar) and Haryana (Rewari) being presented at the 14th National Pulmonary Meet from October 11 to October 13 before being reviewed at the National Academy of Medical Sciences.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, October 11, 2002, Page No.1supp

Gurgaon residents now armed with pollution details:
The residents of Gurgaon would soon be able to make out, as to how clean is the air they are breathing in. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), Gurgaon is soon going to put up two air pollution testing machines called High Volume Samplers (HVSs) at the two key locations of the city. The pollution level measured by the machines would be displayed at the electronic board being set up at the National Highway No. 8.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, October 11, 2002, Page No.2

Efforts on to promote bio-diesel fuels:
Concerned over the rising levels of pollution, the Andhra Pradesh State government has begun efforts to promote in a big way manufacture of bio diesel fuels for use in automobiles. The one option which is being explored is extraction of Kanuga/Karanj oil from a variety of plants that could be grown in the state itself.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, October 10, 2002, Page No.1

'LPG auto kit' launched:
If you want to switch to an eco-friendly fuel but have desisted from doing so because of insufficient supply of CNG, you have now a 'better' option. A Delhi based private company, Yash Propane Auto Energy (YPAE), launched 'LPG auto kit' which, once retrofitted in an automobile will be cheaper than petrol and CNG. The cost of retrofitment of the kit is Rs 18000.

The Statesman, New Delhi, October 9, 2002, Page No.4

Auto LPG dispensing station likely in few weeks:
The first auto LPG dispensing station in the Chennai city will be ready for commissioning in a few weeks. Though the oil industry had earlier indicated that six such facilities will be set up by December, according to present indications not more than two will be commissioned by the date set for introduction of the fuel.

The Hindu, Chennai, October 9, 2002, Page No.3

Transport Department plans month-long 'war against pollution' from fuel outlets:
In a far-reaching move, the Transport Department has urged petrol bunks in Bangalore city not to dispense petrol and diesel to vehicles that do not produce emission certificates, Transport Commissioner T Thimme Gowda announced on Tuesday. The department has already requested all fuel bunks to open emission-testing centres in their premises, said Gowda. He said this is a part of the drive to curb vehicular emissions in Bangalore from November onwards.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, October 9, 2002, Page No.3supp

Puc plan is ill, certify foreign experts
Has the government's 10 year old Pollution Under Control (PUC) programme failed? The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) recently visited US based vehicle technology and emission expert Michael P Walsh and Swedish vehicle technology expert Lennart Erlandsson to assess the situation and make suggestions.

The Hindu New Delhi October 6, 2002

Beijing may surge ahead in this 'Long March'
Through the Compressed Natural gas programme, Delhi may have stolen a march over its Chinese counterpart, Beijing, but India's northern neighbour is taking long strides in adoption of cleaner fuels and related technologies which may see Beijing emerge the cleaner of the two big cities in the years to come. Making this observation, visiting United States based International expert, Michael P. Walsh who has come to conduct a study for Centre for Science and Environment said, "Delhi in particular has moved quickly in certain areas, such as introduction of CNG run public transport, making mandatory use of Euro II technology in new vehicles and using lead free petrol."

The Hindu New Delhi October 6, 2002

New measures against pollution:
Delhi boasts of 400 Pollution Under Control (PUC) certification programme centres and yet only 17 per cent of its vehicles actually undergo tests to obtain the certificates, which are mandatory for all vehicles. And so, after 10 years of its launch, the scheme is yielding little. In order to raise the issue afresh, the Centre for Science and Environment today presented before the media two international experts in the field, who have tudied the state of pollution testing in Delhi and made recommendations to the Bhure Lal Committee and the Delhi Government on rectifying it.

The Hindu – Delhi October 5, 2002

Privatise Burari unit, says experts Delhi transport department has been asked to privatise the vehicle inspection unit at Burari by two internationally reputed experts on vehicle technology and emissions. The department received an assessment and a plan of progress about their existing pollution under control (PUC) programme from the two experts on Friday. Invited by the Centre for Science and Environment, the two experts did not just take a critical view of the existing PUC certification programme adopted by the department, but they also suggested various steps needed for improvement.

The Times of India – New Delhi October 5, 2002

Study finds flaws in city pollution check system
Is holding a pollution under control certificate enough to call your vehicle environment friendly? No, says a team of international experts on vehicle technology, who led by the Centre for Science and Environment, presented a report on the glaring loopholes in the vehicular pollution check programme to Delhi Transport Minister Ajay Maken on Friday.

The Asian Age New Delhi October 5, 2002

Experts for upgraded pollution check
There is an "urgent" need to "overhaul and redesign" the current Pollution Under Control centres, being in operation in the Capital, to make significant impact on the pollution level. This is one of the recommendations made by two international experts in vehicle technology and emissions, Mr Michael P Walsh and Mr Lennart Erlandsson. These experts have been invited by the Centre for Science and Enviornment, a leading voluntary organisation. They have done an extensive study on the PUC centres.

The Statesman New Delhi October 5, 2002

New environment chief to champion Kyoto pact, end to illegal dumping:
Seeing the Kyoto climate pact put into force and combating illegal waste dumping are two priorities for the Japan's newly appointed Environment Minister Shunichi Suzuki, for whom the latter hits close to home. Caught by surprise when offered a Cabinet portfolio, Suzuki readily admitted not being very familiar with environmental issues, but said he believes his experience working on social issues, as parliamentary vice minister in 1996 of the then Health and Welfare Ministry under Ryutaro Hashimoto, will serve him well.

Japan Times (Internet), Japan, October 4, 2002

Mayor cracks down on NY noise makers:
In New York city with soundtrack of blaring horns, car backfires, boom boxes and clanging garbage trucks, Mayor Michel Bloomberg announced a program to make people keep it down. Police officers will seize loud radios, ticket drivers and employ noise meters out side nightclubs and other places that have received frequent noise complaints.

The Times of India, New Delhi, October 4, 2002, Page No.13

Running car on greenhouse gas:
Instead of pumping the green house carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, why not turn it into something useful, like petrol? That way power plants could cut their emissions by recycling a large proportion of the carbon dioxide they produce. And although cars running on this fuel would emit some carbon dioxide as exhaust, less would end up in the atmosphere overall. At an industrial chemistry conference in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Nakamichi Yamasaki of the Tokushima Industrial Technology Centre in Japan announced that he'd found a way to make heavier hydrocarbons such as propane and butane at relatively low temperatures and pressures.

The Hindu, New Delhi, October 3, 2002, Page No.17

Report suggests extra tax on old vehicles:
Users of old vehicles in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai may have to pay an additional motor vehicle tax in the form of "emission charges," as suggested by the expert committee on the new auto fuel policy. In its final report submitted to the Union ministry of petroleum and natural gas, the expert committee, headed by CSIR director-general R A Mashelkar, has mentioned this as an "economic instrument" to control pollution in the metropolitan cities where "vehicular pollution" substantially contributes to the overall pollution level.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, October 3, 2002, Page No.9

Blended petrol in Andhra Pradesh from Oct 21:
The first ethanol blended petrol filling station in the Andhra Pradesh state would be opened at Gokavaram near Rajamundry on October 21, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Ram Naik, said on Oct 1. Addressing a press conference, Ram Naik said the Gokavaram unit would cover four districts East Godavari, West Godavari, Khammam and Krishna. The ethanol blended petrol would be sold in 170 petrol pumps in these four districts.

Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabad, October 2, 2002, Page No.7

Building cars in the air:
A French David is challenging the Goliaths of the auto industry, saying it has invented a pollution-free car that runs on air, has a range of some 200 km per tank and costs almost nothing to refuel. The CityCat, a small van, sits alongside the MiniCat, a three-person saloon (US sedan), at the stand of MDI Enterprises as at the Paris Motor Show, dwarfed by rivals from Honda, Ford, Daimler Chrysler, Toyota, Peugeot and Renault.

Business Line, New Delhi, October 2, 2002, Page No.18

Converted buses fail to clear safety norms:
Nothing could have been worse for CNG operators than this. The diesel buses that they got converted into CNG mode after paying over Rs 3 lakh have failed to meet safety aspects as per November 2001 norms. Around two months after being converted and stopped from plying, there was a ray of hope for transporter when the process of inspection of buses by the expert committee appointed by the Delhi government started about a fortnight ago.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi,October 1, 2002, Page No.5

Auto fuel policy report:
The Mashelkar Committee's Report on National auto Fuel Policy submitted to the Union government on Saturday is unique in many ways, compared with the interim report. In its final report, the committee has made wide ranging recommendations to check vehicular pollution in major cities and towns. Over the years, there has been an exponential rise in the number of vehicles. This has brought in its wake an alarming increase in the pollution levels.......Editorial

The Tribune, New Delhi, October 1, 2002, Page No.8

Electric trolley buses : from Russia with love:
Even as Delhi attempts to author a sequel to the CNG story, the city government is readying to roll in buses which will unseat pollution from the city's roads. Enter the electric trolley bus (ETB) from Russia which -needless to say- is pollution free. A first for Delhi, ETBs also mark a first for India.

The Times of India, New Delhi, October 1, 2002, Page No.1(m)

A car that claims to run on air:
A French David is challenging the Goliaths of the auto industry, saying it has invented a pollution free car that runs on air, has a range of some 200 km per tank and costs almost nothing to refuel.

The Times of India, New Delhi, October 1, 2002, Page No.14

Ashok Leyland gets a green badge:
Ashok Leyland, the second largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in India, has shown its commitment to a better environment by undertaking numerous eco-initiatives. The flagship company of the Hinduja group was recently awarded the Golden Peacock Environment Management award by the World Environment Forum. Its major achievement is developing India's first hybrid electric vehicle for urban transport. Such vehicles are non-polluting and therefore eco-friendly.

Business Standard, New Delhi, September 30, 2002, Page No.11

Vehicles conversion to CNG may help save $ 250 million foreign exchange per annum: Conversion of oil consuming vehicles to CNG is likely to help save foreign exchange worth $250 million per annum, as the country's oil bill will fall sharply and it would help improve the environment. The CNG Stations Owners Association of Pakistan (CSOAP) has demanded of the government to extend the exemption of duty and taxes on import of CNG equipment for further period of five years to save the CNG industry of the country.

Business Recorder (Internet), Pakistan, September 30, 2002

Naik call to check petrol adulteration:
The Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ram Naik, called upon the scientific community to expeditiously find a way to check adulteration of petrol and diesel with kerosene. The scientists will also have to find a technique to blend ethanol with diesel so that the swing fuel become cheaper, he added speaking at at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Diamond jubilee celebrations at the Indian Institute of Petroleum.

The Hindu, New Delhi, September 28, 2002, Page No.5

Tighter norms in Mashelkar final report:
The final report of the Mashelkar Committee on auto fuel policy varies in some significant respects from the interim report it submitted earlier this year. By virtue of the new recommendations in the final report, the overall policy towards regulating vehicular emissions has been made more stringent. The interim report had recommended the introduction of Euro III norms in the entire country for all new vehicles by 2010. But the final report has called for the introduction of Euro IV norms in 11 Indian cities by the same date.

The Hindu, New Delhi, September 28, 2002, Page No.11

BPCL lines up Rs 1800 crore facelift for Mumbai unit:
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. is set to undertake a Rs 1,800 crore upgradation and modernisation programme of its Mumbai refinery to meet the Euro III and Euro IV emission standards for transportation fuels. The refinery upgradation will be completed by 2004, BPCL chairman & managing director Sarthak Behuria said at a post annual general meeting.

Business Standard, New Delhi, September 27, 2002, Page No.4

Industry poised to start ethanol-mixed petrol supply:
The oil industry is all set to kick start on time the process of supply of five per cent ethanol mixed petrol in three southern States, including Tamil Nadu, to meet the Centre's January 1 deadline. To start with, it is inviting bids from anhydrous ethanol manufacturers for supply of the eco friendly molasses by product in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

The Hindu, Chennai, September 26, 2002, Page No.5

Mashelkar stretches time to use Euro fuels:
Nine months after submitting its interim report the Expert Committee on Auto Fuel Policy headed by Council for Scientific and Industrial Research director general Dr R.A. Mashelkar today submitted its final report to the Petroleum Ministry.Reacting to the recommendations of the report, Sunita Narain, director, Centre for Science and Environment said:"Several new studies in the past nine months have shown us that thousands of people are dying every year because of air pollution and yet they have delayed the introduction of the best fuel by over eight years."

The Indian Express, New Delhi, September 26, 2002

Stations to be built to monitor air pollution:
To monitor air pollution and its effects in the border and adjoining countries, monitoring stations are being built. This was declared in the Male conference. Scientists put light on clean air and healthy life in the conference. This conference was organized by Central Pollution Control Board and Ministry of Forest. Many delegates from different asociations took part in it.

Jansatta, New Delhi, September 25, 2002, Page No.3

CNG price slashed from October 1:
The association of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) announced decrease in price of CNG fuel by Rs 0.25 per meter cube. The association also appealed the government not to impose sales tax/custom duty, which will raise the installation kit price by 30 percent. Addressing a press conference at Lahore Press Club, president of the association Sana-ur-Rehman said, "Pakistan is the third largest user of CNG after Argentina and Italy."

Business Recorder (Internet), Pakistan, September 25, 2002

Car industry struggles to ween drivers off oil:
Camera flashes will illuminate sleek new sheetmetal at the Paris auto show this week, but for most of the vehicles to be unveiled, the novelty will be only skin deep. Underneath the bold shapes, multiple air bags and satellite navigation aids, the car's basic principle - based on Karl Benz's internal combustion engine - is little changed after 117 years. They still need to burn oil to go anywhere. The hydrogen-based fuel cell, which emits only water and electricity to drive the vehicle, has long been the best hope for a "clean car" paradigm shift, but experts say such technologies are still a far-off dream for ordinary drivers.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, September 25, 2002

US park polluted:
The great Smoky Mountains is the nation's most polluted national park, with air quality rivaling that of Los Angeles, environmental groups said in a survey released on Monday.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, September 25, 2002, Page No.6

Fossil fuel burning blamed for parks air pollution:
The air above five of America's most famous national parks is often more polluted than that of many urban areas, finds a new report released by three conservation groups. The National Park Service countered with its own report, finding that the results of a 10 year study show that air quality is improving or remaining stable in more than half of the national parks monitored.

Environment News Service, US, September 24, 2002

California high-speed rail rolls onto 2004 ballot:
California voters will decide whether the state should invest nearly $10 billion to build a high-speed rail system linking Northern and Southern California, under legislation approved late last week by Governor Gray Davis. Proponents of the plan say high-speed rail is needed to reduce alleviate the state's worsening airport and roadway congestion, and to reduce air pollution.

Environment News Service, US, September 24, 2002

Impact of Asian brown haze 'exaggerated':
Two IISc scientists have debunked the UNEP report on the villainous big 'Asian Brown Cloud' that has made news for the wrong reasons. According to Dr. J Srinivasan and Dr. Sulochana Gadgil, Professors at at the IISc's Centre for Atmospheric & Oceanic Science (CAOS), the UNEP report has exaggerated the nature and impact of the brown blanket hanging over South Asia ostensibly due to the region's allegedly high polluting activities. Their observations have also been picked up by the MoEF to counter the bogey.

Business Line, New Delhi, September 24, 2002, Page No.3

Silicosis cases decline in slate pencil units:
There has been a substantial decline in the amount of Silica dust in the atmosphere of slate Pencil factories as a result of several measures taken by the Madhya Pradesh state government for the prevention of Silicosis disease among the slate pencil factory workers. According to a survey the amount of silica dust had come down to two milligram per cubic meter.

Central Chronicle, Bhopal, September 23, 2002, Page No.sp4

Two stroke CNG auto ban lifted:
The controversy surrounding the registration of two stroke CNG auto rickshaws cropped up anew with the Delhi government lifting the ban on their registration. The ban was imposed four months back with the logic that registration of such autos violated Supreme Court directives.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, September 21, 2002, Page No.3

Major relief for taxi owners as CNG deadline extended to Jan 31:
In a major relief to taxi owners, Mumbai High Court on Thursday extended till January 31, 2003, the deadline for conversion of diesel engines to CNG mode but restrained cabbies from plying in the city as they contributed to the pollution. The order was delivered by Justices Ajit Shah and Ranjana Desai as a petition filed by Mumbai Taxi Chalak Malak Sena and Bombay Taximen's Union.

The Free Press Journal, Mumbai, September 20, 2002, Page No.9

CNG buses waiting to be cleared:
Companies that converted the diesel buses to CNG accused the expert committee of the Transport Department on Wednesday of harassing bus owners by not examining the buses converted by them. The committee had refused to examine some buses saying the that the converters didn't have approval certificate as per November 2001 safety norms. Managing director of NugasTechnologies, Ramesh Handa, said the Union Ministry for Road Transport has told them that their certificates are valid up to November 2002.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, September 20, 2002, Page No.2

Ethanol blended petrol will be mandatory in 9 states from Jan:
Ethanol blended petrol has proved successful and will become mandatory in nine states and four Union territories from January 1, 2003. This was announced by Ministry of state for rural development M K Annasaheb Patil on Monday. He was speaking at a conference hosted by the Centre for Bhartiya Marketing Development to highlight the profitable use of biofuels.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, September 20, 2002, Page No.7

LPG conversion: Transport Dept.'s think-tank out of fuel:
While the Karnataka State Government is likely to make it mandatory for auto rickshaws in Bangalore to use Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as fuel, the move has angered the unions as they claim the Transport Department is not clear in its strategy. The delay in providing clear and authentic information about its proposed plan to convert all auto rickshaws in the city to LPG-run vehicles is likely to cost autorickshaws owners dear.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, September 19, 2002, Page No.3supp

Petrol-ethanol mix trials begin:
The Government has started trials with 10 per cent ethanol mixed in petrol as vehicular fuel at the three pilot projects in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh which had earlier successfully carried out blending of petrol with 5% ethanol, Petroleum Minister Ram Naik said. He said the Bureau of Indian Standards has amended the specifications for increasing the ethanol content in petrol and a sum of Rs 3.76 crore has been sanctioned for studies on the performance of automobiles and modifications in engines required for higher proportion of ethanol blending. Another Rs 4 crore has been sanctioned for R&D studies on blending ethanol with diesel.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, Septemner 19, 2002, Page No.13

State drops plan to ban old cars:
The Andhra Pradesh state government is understood to have decided to drop the idea to phasing out 15 year old vehicles in the city, reportedly due to resentment from various quarters. Instead, it will allow these vehicles to convert their engines to be run on LPG fuel, which is going to be available in plenty in the next few months. According to a senior official belonging to the Transport Department, the government has received a negative feedback from the people on the decision to phase out 15 year old vehicles which are responsible for the high automobile pollution in the twin cities.

Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabad, September 18, 2002, Page No.6

Inspection of CNG buses from Wednesday:
The Delhi Government on Tuesday announced that inspection of buses converted from diesel to CNG will start from Wednesday. Experts form Delhi Transport Corporation and Association of State Road Transport Undertakings (ASRTU) will conduct the inspection. The government will pay ASRTU Rs 2,500 for inspecting each bus and the burden will no fall on the operators.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, September 18, 2002, Page No.3

New air pollution rules target off road vehicles:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued new emission standards for the engines of off road vehicles including snowmobiles, motorcycles, all terrain vehicles and recreational diesel powered boats. Environmental groups say the new standards fail to protect human health and the environment, and fail to meet clean technology requirements established by the federal Clean Air Act.

Environment News Service, US, September 17, 2002

IGL's claims all gas: CSE
The Centre for Science and Environment today accused Indraprastha Gas Limited - the sole supplier of compressed natural gas in Delhi - of deliberately underestimating gas demand for the transport sector in Delhi for getting this gas relocated for industrial use since several big industrial houses have been adversely affected due to extra allocation of gas for transportation needs of the Capital.

The Hindu, New Delhi, September 17, 2002

IGL in bind over CNG demand by Shubhajit Roy:
Just how much CNG does the city need for its buses, autos and other CNG driven vehicles? This question has sparked a fierce debate among the key players in the CNG issue.Centre for Science and Environment director Sunita Narain is more forthcoming. "It appears there's more to it than meets the eye. Why would a private company show low sales figures? They are obviously under pressure from powerful industries and the Union petroleum ministry," she said. She was hinting at big industries hit by reallocation of gas to Delhi's transport sector.

The Times of India, New Delhi, September 17, 2002

Government gets cold feet on vending auto LPG:
The much hyped auto LPG dispensing station concept, under which 45 outlets were to come up in the Hyderabad city within one year to fight air pollution, appears to have run out of gas what with the Andhra Pradesh State Government suddenly developing cold feet citing non availability of land and safety as the main reasons.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, September 17, 2002, Page No.sp1

Clean air limits for off-road vehicles:
A final regulation issued by the Environmental Protection Agency will impose stringent new pollution regulations on some of the country's dirtiest engines, the first time the snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles will fall under the Clean Air Act.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, September 16, 2002, Page No.3

IGL a victim of poor planning by Shubhajit Roy:
Conceived under tremendous time pressures without adequate political and government support, Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) has all along been an example of poor planning. This had led to the Supreme Court admonishing IGL several times in the past. Monday's swipe being the latest one. "IGL has been constantly remote-controlled by the Union petroleum ministry.While IGL officials were slack, they had not been given adequate support by the ministry," Sunita Narain, director of Centre for Science and Environment said.

The Times of India, New Delhi, September 16, 2002

IGL accused of manipulation:
The Centre for Science and Environment has accused the Indraprastha Gas Limited - which was on September 9 hauled up by the Supreme Court for providing misleading information on status of CNG supply - of "manipulations to cover up its ineptitude".CSE, which has been actively campaigning for introduction of cleaner fuels, has stated that IGL's approach not only threatens its own nterest but have also put the nascent CNG programme in the Capital in peril.

The Hindu, New Delhi, September 16, 2002

Indian capital breathes easy after pollution checks:
Five years ago, the Indian capital was rated as one of the most polluted cities in the world, continually shrouded in an eye-stinging smog of foul gas and noxious fumes. No longer. Pollution levels in the wheezing metropolis of about 13 million people have come down significantly since the government cracked down on exhaust-belching vehicles and closed down smoke-spewing factories in the late 1990s. Today, about 6,000 buses have changed from diesel to CNG and thousands of three-wheelers have also adopted the cleaner fuel. "Today, if you are at a red light, your eyes don't water and you don't just see a haze around you," said coordinator of air pollution control at the Centre for Science and Environment's Roychowdhury.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, Septembr 13, 2002

HC defers hearing petition on CNG conversion to Sep 13:
The Bombay High Court has deferred the hearing of a petition urging not to cancel the registration of diesel-run taxis who have not converted their vehicles to CNG mode, to September 13.

The Free Press Journal, Mumbai, September 12, 2002, Page No.11

India to seek special oil prices: Naik:
The Union minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ram Naik said India would seek fixing of lower prices for the developing countries in the wake of apprehensions about price fluctuations in the international market, with the U.S. threatening to attack Iraq under the global campaign against terrorism.

The Hindu, New Delhi, September 13, 2002, Page No.5

Slow takeoff seen for hybrid electric vehicles:
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are gaining popularity but their fuel economy and environmental benefits are not yet enough to win over price-conscious buyers in the key U.S. market, industry officials said. HEV models from Honda Motor Co and Toyota Motor Corp, which use both a conventional engine and an electric motor, are becoming more common in the United States and could take off soon in Europe, according to U.S. executives at a four-day European lead battery conference in Rome.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, Septembr 12, 2002

Many an obstacle in the path of CNG vehicles in Faridabad:
While the Delhi Government has introduced CNG run buses and autorickshaws and banned diesel operated commercial vehicles to reduce pollution, such an option seems to be a distant dream in the NCR towns of Haryana even though Faridabad is among the 12 most polluted cities of the country. There is no proposal to convert buses or other commercial vehicles into CNG or LPG mode. But it is learnt that the authorities in Delhi are worried over the movement of a large number of roadways buses in Delhi, which belongs to Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh among others.

The Tribune, New Delhi, September 11, 2002, Page No.sp1

More diesel cars despite APM dismantling:
When the world thought that demand for diesel cars in India may wane after the dismantling of the administered price mechanism (APM) on petroleum products, the car industry is gearing up with more diesel variants with the hope that refined diesel engines not in vogue so far, will only rev up demand. Maruthi recently launched a new diesel variant of Esteem and Hyundai will follow by fitting the Acent with common rail direct injection (CDRi) engine.

The Statesman, New Delhi, September 11, 2002, Page No.11

Cabbies threaten stir over CNG supply:
Nearly 1.5 lakh taxi and autorickshaw drivers have threatened to block traffic on Mumbai city roads if the state government fails to provide 150 compressed natural gas (CNG) filling stations by September 20. The city currently has only 28 filling stations.

The Times of India, Mumbai, September 10, 2002, Page No.5

CNG cut to dent MUL profit by Rs 80 cr:
Industrial users of CNG in and around Delhi will take a huge hit on their bottomlines thanks to the Supreme Court ruling that a cut off their gas supplies in order to make gas available for public transport in the Capital. Carmaker Maruti Udyog say company sources will take a Rs 80-crore plus hit on its bottomline, at the rate of Rs 80-crore plus hit on its bottomline, at the rate of Rs 7 crore a month, because of the CNG cutoff. Maruti's net profit for the fiscal ended March 2002 was Rs 104.5 crore on a turnover of Rs 9410.3 crore.

The Economic Times, New Delhi, September 10, 002, Page No.6

Long queues at CNG stations:
Long queues of autorickshaws are being witnessed at the CNG filling stations in Mumbai since last one week with the drivers having to wait for more than six hours for a refill. As on today there are around 50,000 autorickshaws in city and suburbs which run on CNG and currently the city has around 31 CNG filling stations. The real problem will be faced after January 1 next year when 25,000 more autorickshaws are converted into CNG.

The Free Press Journal, Mumbai, September 9, 2002, Page No.9

CNG for school buses on top priority:
To ease congestion at its CNG filling stations across the Capital, Indraprastha Gas Limited plans to rationalise filling of private and school buses by dedicating five dispensers exclusively for school buses from this Monday. The sole supplier of CNG in Delhi, IGL has increased its compression capacity to 7.95 lakh Kg per day.

The Hindu, New Delhi, Septembr 8, 2002, Page No.

Zero-pollution car engines:
Gasoline engines now in production can be nearly pollution-free, a California university engineering laboratory reports after three years of study. The promising technology is limited to California as the engines require low-sulfur gasoline that it widely available only there. Environmentalists saluted the report, though it paints the gasoline internal combustion engine as less a villain than they prefer.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, September 7, 2002, Page No.12

City autos threaten stir over CNG compulsion:
Aggrieved over authorities decision to impose use of CNG, Mumbai Autorickshawmen Union threatened to launch an agitation for the 'problem' created by shortage of filing stations. Addressing reporters Union president Sharad Rao said the problem of shortage of CNG fillings stations would assume greater dimension by January 2003 "when additional more than 25000 three-wheelers would be converted into CNG".

The Free Press Journal, Mumbai, September 6, 2002, Page No.9

Euro-III petrol, diesel from 2005: Naik:
Petrol and diesel conforming to Euro-III emission norms would be supplied in metro cities from 2005. Euro-II compliant petrol (with 0.05 per cent sulphur content and one per cent benzene) and diesel (with 0.05 per cent sulphur), currently being supplied in metro cities, would be extended to the rest of the county by 2005, Petroleum Minister Ram Naik said at the 17th World Petroleum Congress in Brazil.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, September 4, 2002, Page No.11

Petrol pumps in city directed to set up CNG stations:
Capital's all petrol pumps on land of Roads and Highways Division will have to install CNG gas stations within next six months.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, September 3, 2002, Page No.11

Toyota, Nissan create alliance:
In a rare example of cooperation between two fierce rivals, Toyota Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co. said they will work together on new gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles in the U.S. to speed the development of more affordable, environmentally friendly cars.

The Asian Wall Street Journal, Hong Kong, September 3, 2002, Page No.1

EPA says exposure to diesel exhaust can cause cancer:
Diesel exhaust from large trucks and other sources probably causes lung cancer, the Environmental Protection Agency said. An EPA health-impact report concludes that uncertainties remain about long-term health effects of exposure to diesel exhaust. It says, however, that studies involving both tests on animals and occupational exposure suggest strong evidence of a cancer risk to humans.

USA Today (Internet), US, September 3, 2002

Now 24 hour monitoring of air pollution:
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has now shifted to a 24 hour monitoring of air pollution in a traffic intersection and residential area under its Chennai Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme from its earlier eight hour monitoring at four places in Vallalar Nagar, Kilpauk, T. Nagar and Anna Nagar intersections.

The Hindu, Chennai, September 3, 2002, Page No.3

Suspension of registration : HC to hear taximen's plea on Wed:
The Mumbai Taximen's Union (MTU) approached the Bombay high court seeking respite for the 7000 taxis that failed to meet the August 31 deadline for switching to compressed natural gas (CNG) and stand to have their registrations cancelled. The taxi union moved the high court because the Supreme Court threw out its special leave petition seeking a three-month extension to the August 31 deadline.

The Times of India, Mumbai, September 03, 2002, Page No.3

Ford to crop electric vehicles amid disappointing sales:
Ford Motor Co. which saw its earlier commitment to putting electric vehicles on the road win praise from some regulators and environmentalists, is pulling the plug on its $100 million electric-vehicles program amid disappointing sales and plans to focus on other ways to boost fuel efficiency and reduce pollution

The Asian Wall Street Journal, Hong Kong, September 2, 002, Page No.A2

Two-stroke autos go off city streets from today:
All but 5,500 two-stroke auto-rickshaws and tempos will go off the city streets today (Sunday) giving a relief to the city dwellers from air and sound pollution.The banned two-stroke three-wheelers will be allowed to ply outside Dhaka metropolis.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, September 1, 2002, Page No.1

Token to ensure safety in CNG buses:
Under a new proposal of the Delhi State Transport Department, all CNG buses in the Capital would soon be required to possess a "metallic token" to certify their compliance with the safety norms in order to make themselves eligible for refueling at any of the filling stations of Indraprastha Gas Limited.

The Hindu, New Delhi, August 31, 2002, Page No.4

HC rejects plea to extend deadline for changing fuel:
From September 1, 2002 some 21000 autorickshaws will be off the roads after the Bombay High Court rejected their plea to extend the limit for conservation to Compressed Natural Gas (Liquified Petroleum Gas(CNG/LPG). The Bench accepted the affidavit filed by Pune based Automotive Research Association of India, which said that those autos manufactured in the 80s and 90s cannot be fitted with the CNG/LPG kits.

The Indian Express, Mumbai, August 31, 2002, Page No.3

Bus systems offer the best future for cities:
Curb car growth in expanding cities or face a doubling in CO2 emissions, warns a new report by the International Energy Agency. In large cities a car-centred transport system could generate twice as much carbon dioxide as a predominantly bus-based system. But the switch to eco-friendly buses across Europe brings with it the problem of choosing the best fuels and propulsion systems to curb greenhouse gas emissions while providing cheap and reliable transport.

Edie (Internet), UK, August 30, 2002

Brighton companies balancing their carbon footprint:
A group of 16 companies and organisations from Brighton and Hove are making strides towards balancing their emissions so that they leave no carbon footprint.Companies such as The Body Shop International, BBC Southern Counties Radio, Zelgrain Pub Group, and Moshi Moshi Sushi, as well as the local council, are either working towards balancing their carbon emissions, or have already achieved their goal. Zelgrain, for example, has switched all of its pubs to a renewable electricity supply company and has installed a solar powered hot water system on the roof of one of its pubs.

Edie (Internet), UK, August 30, 2002

UK Business Briefs: Green turbine, remote monitoring, lower emission diesel, and alternative construction materials:
In this week's UK Business Briefs, Africa's largest green turbine is switched on in Zimbabwe; a UK car racing team is to use lower emission diesel; new remote telecommunications capabilities for environmental monitoring equipment; and opinions are being sought on a new set of protocols for the use of alternative materials in construction.

Edie (Internet), UK, August 30, 2002

14-year-old invents emission testing device:
When Bangalore observes 'International Ozone Layer Protection Day' on Sept 16, the City will do well to remember Sahas S. Fourteen-year-old Saha has designed an emission-testing equipment that measures the amount of carbon released from vehicles. The device is different from the emission testing machines in use that cost a whooping Rs 1.5 lakh each, and tests only the carbon monoxide emitted. On the other hand, the is machine costs Rs 700 per set, at the most.

The Indian Express, Bangalore, August 29, 2002, Page No.3 supp

Vehicle belching smoke are set to face rough ride:
Vehicles belching black smoke in Mumbai will soon have to run for cover. The Bombay high court has cracked down on the thin presence of flying squads that measure pollution and ordered these mobile teams to start operating again for a minimum of four hours a day on all working days starting September 1. The court is hearing about various aspects of the city's increasing vehicular pollution.

The Times of India, Mumbai, Augsut 29, 2002, Page No.3

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, August 29, 2002, Page No.3supp

The Times of India, Mumbai, August 29, 2002, Page No.3

HC upholds move to ban six-seater autos:
The six-seater autorickshaw ill no longer be a familiar sight on Pune roads. The Bombay high court upheld the decision taken by the state transport authority not to permit six-seater autorickshaws within the Pune municipal corporation limits. The transport authority a statutory body, banned these autorickshaws from PMC limits on the grounds that they caused a lot of vehicular pollution besides disrupting traffic.

The Times of India, Mumbai, August 28, 2002, Page No.3

Subhas steps on CNG gas:
West Bengal transport minister Mr Subhas Chakraborty has jumped the gun again. He told reporters at Writters' Buildings that his department had sent a proposal to the Supreme Court saying the government was in favour of converting all 12-year old diesel engines in taxis and private cars to the LPG or CNG mode. "Once the order from the Supreme Court is received, we will try to execute it".

The Statesman, Kolkata, August 27, 2002, Page No.1

The Times of India, Mumbai, August 28, 2002, Page No.3

Govt. notification on illegal use of CNG, LPG in cars:
With the increase in the vehicles driven on LPG in Nagaland, the transport department has informed that although the use of CNG and LPG as alternate automotive fuel has been permitted under the amended section 52 of the motor vehicle Act of 1988 in the year 2000, but the unauthorised use of such cylinders in motor vehicles is hazardous, dangerous and constitute an offense.

The Assam Tribune, Guwahati, August 27, 2002, Page No.5

More DTC buses coming:
The Delhi Transport Corporation has finalised its deal, for purchase of 500 bus chasis, with Ashok Leyland while a similar agreement with TELCO has been put on hold due to some technical reasons. The go-ahead for the purchase was given by the DTC Board recently and the new vehicles are expected to arrive from December this year.

The Hindu, New Delhi, August 27, 2002, Page No.4

Eco-friendly trucks gaining ground on diesel-fuel burners:
Transport companies are increasingly replacing diesel-engine trucks with vehicles powered by environment-friendly liquified petroleum gas or compressed natural gas, induced by government subsidies and tax incentives. The companies are also attempting to improve their corporate images by adopting green policies.

The Nikkei Weekly, Tokyo, September 26, 2002, Page No.8)

Commuters hard-hit by paucity of CNG buses:
With over non-CNG buses being phased out every month, commuters are sweating it out at bus stops, specially during peak and evening houses. The problem has aggravated as nearly half of DTC's 2100 CNG bus fleet cannot ply at any given time, as filling stations are located faraway from many bus depots.

The Statesman, New Delhi, August 26, 2002, Page No.2

CNG buses to undergo fitness tests:
The Delhi Government has decided to get fitness of all the converted as well as new CNG buses checked within a period of two months. The Government had authorised the Association of State Roadways Transport Undertaking (ASRTU) to conduct tests on all converted as well as new CNG buses in the Capital. The ASRTU is the common body of all the State Transport unions registered by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MRTH) and has relevant expertise for conducting such tests.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, August 26, 2002, Page No.3

'Alarming pollution due to inadequate policy implementation':
Notwithstanding the policy emphasis on a symbiotic relationship between transport and energy sectors, inadequate implementation has led to alarming pollution and rapid resource depletion, an environment ministry report has said. While the share of railways has been constantly declining in the transport sector., there is also dichotomy in policies for the road and rail sectors putting more pressure on energy resources, according to an assessment report of agenda 21, agreed at the Earth Summit at Rio at decade ago. It also observed that while there had been a substantial progression improving emission characteristics of vehicles in India, it was well recognised that current vehicle technology in India was inferior to that of the developed world.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, August 26, 2002, Page No.9

Over 600 buses standed for want of fitness certificates:
Over 600 buses are stranded at various CNG kit manufacturing units in Delhi, as the transport department has refused to give these vehicles fitness certificate. There are 400 diesel-converted CNG buses and 200 new CNG buses that are yet to come on roads.

The Statesman, New Delhi, August 25, 2002, Page No.3

Petrol, diesel vehicles to be banned in Tirupati soon:
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Executive Officer P Krishnaiah has said that soon all the vehicles run by petrol and diesel will be prohibited from entering Tirumala and Tirupati towns in Andhra Pradesh. Speaking to mediapersons after the 'Dial Your EO' programme, he expressed concern that thousands of vehicles plying every day in the two temple towns were converting the serene atmosphere into a polluted zone.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, August 24, 2002, Page No.5

Ashok Leyland gets safety chit for CNG buses:
Ahead of the November 2002 deadline, Hinduja group flashship Ashok Leyland has obtained certification against notified safety norms for its CNG buses covering all its CNG engines. All Ashok Leyland buses in operation have already incorporated the safety features and fully comply with the norms stipulated in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway (MoRTH) notification. Ashok Leyland has obtained certification from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARA) both for its retrofitted engines and for original fitment.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, August 24, 2002, Page No.9

Electrical buses in city soon:
Electric trolley buses would be whizzing on some Delhi roads by the middle of next year and well before Assembly polls. These buses are being visualised as the main mode of mass transit apart from CNG buses and Metro Rail in the transport action plan which is being drafted. Transport and Power Minster Ajay Maken says these buses would run on separate lanes, free of other buses. In the beginning, these would be confined to a few lanes on a pilot basis.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, August 24, 2002, Page No.3 supp

Now, it is the turn of eco-friendly electric tri-cycles to hit the road:
After electric cars and electric auto rickshaws, its now electric tricycles. These tiny eco-friendly electric vehicles are likely to revolutionize transportation within resorts, hospitals, warehouses, farms, estates, and the like. Designed by a US-based Bangalorean, Anil Anantha Krishna, these tricycles were launched in Bangalore at the Vaahan Yaatra, an auto expo which started today. About 200 egos have arrived in the city in the first batch. Name "e-go", these eco-friendly vehicles may be used as a means of individual transportation inhouse.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, August 23, 2002, Page No.2

Autos must use LPG from Nov 1:
In an effort to reduce air pollution level in Bangalore city, the transport department is making it mandatory for auto rickshaws which renew registration for November 1 this year, to use LPG kits will also be mandatory for new autos from November 1. The department is contemplating exhorting petrol/diesel-driven autos to switch over to LPG fuel. On an average, about 500 old auto rickshaws are replaced by new ones in the state. And, about 1,000 to 1,500 new permits are given every year for beneficiaries under various government-sponsored welfare schemes.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, August 23, 2002, Page No.1

Tractor driven growth:
The picture of a 1962 model of a tractor carrying garbage in an uncovered trailer in Amritsar published in The Tribune on Thursday reveals the ugly face of urban Punjab, the other side of the so-called progressive state. A high per capita income is meaningless unless it translates into an improved quality of life. The presence of 40 year old tractors in Amritsar roads may be a tribute to their makers engineering skill, but that also shows how little the methods of waste transportation have changed.......Editorial

The Tribune, New Delhi, August 23, 2002, Page No.10

40-yr-old tractors still in service:
Weaponry used during the Indo-China and Indo-Pak wars may have found its way into museums, but most of the tractors and lorries brought in 1962 and 1965 for the removal of garbage in Amritsar are still on the road, emanating pollution. Nobody has bothered to replace them in the past 40 years though they have outlived their lives much earlier.

The Tribune, New Delhi, August 22, 2002, Page No.1

Mobile units are all smoke, no fire:
The mobile pollution testing vehicles which were launched by the Transport Department on Saturday have failed to measure upto expectations. According to PCB sources, each mobile unit is expected to target around 50 vehicles every day. The mobile units will travel on Highways and arterial roads in the Hyderabad city of Andhra Pradesh where vehicular pollution is very high.

Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabad, August 21, 2002, Page No.4

Taxi unions ask court to extend CNG conversion deadline:
The Mumbai Taximen's Union and Mumbai Taxi Association have failed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking an extension of time by three months for conversion of 137-D Premier taxis to run on compressed natural gas (CNG). The Bombay high court had this April directed 15000 137-D Premier taxis, irrespective of their age, to convert their engines to run on CNG from the existing diesel, by April 31, 2002.

The Times of India, Mumbai, August 21, 2002, Page No.5

Safety check for converted buses:
Delhi state government has decided to check all converted CNG buses to ascertain if they are safe by November 2002. Various bodies will be roped in to conduct the checks.The step has been taken to follow the ceiling on fresh registration of CNG buses. As a result, none of the buses converted CNG, is plying on roads.

The Times of India, New Delhi, August 21, 2002, Page No.2

Ford admits to failure in containing emissions:
An effort by Ford Motor Co. to burnish its environmental image has backfired, with the automaker admitting it has made little recent progress toward improving the fuel economy of its vehicles. In an annual report, released on Tuesday, the world's no. 2 automaker highlights various initiatives it has undertaken to fight global warming, which it calls "the most pressing environmental issue facing our industry and our company." But in the so-called "Corporate Citizenship" report, Ford concedes that the average fuel economy of the vehicles it sells in the US has remained essentially flat since 2000.

Business Line, New Delhi, August 21, 2002, Page No.3

Police to get tough with polluting vehicles:
The city police have decided to get tough with polluting vehicles in the city-especially the rickshaws and 'chhakkdas' plying on the city roads and have seized almost 65 rickshaws, emitting foul fumes, since Friday. Sources in the police department said that the traffic authorities have been asked to initiate action against vehicles.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, August 20, 2002, Page No.4

Ban on 2 stroke autos under fire:
The Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Mr. Jagdish Mukhi, alleged that the decision of the Delhi government to ban registration of two stroke auto-rickshaws in the national Capital was taken to serve "pecuniary interest " of the state Transport Minister and demanded its cancellation. "Despite the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry and Central Pollution Control Board terming the two stroke vehicles as pollution free, Delhi Government never changed its earlier decision to ban the vehicles," he said.

The Tribune, New Delhi, August 20, 2002, Page No.sp3

Report on auto fuel policy by month-end:
The Draft national automobile fuel policy, which advocates the continuation of liquid fuel as the main fuel, is ready, and will be presented to the petroleum ministry later this month. The policy, however says alternative fuels should be introduced in highly polluted cities. The final report of the expert committee, set up to suggest a national automobile fuel policy, has urged the Centre to provide "assured supply of fuels at minimum costs, while meeting environmental concerns". The committee, headed by director-general of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, R A Mashelkar, had submitted its preliminary report in January.

Business Standard, New Delhi, August 19, 2002, Page No.2

GM to give away thousands of electric vehicles:
General Motors Corp. will give away thousands of golf cart-like electric vehicles to comply with California regulations forcing automakers to sell pollution-free vehicles, GM officials said this week. Over the next three years, GM will give the vehicles to California businesses and charitable organizations so the automaker can earn zero-emission vehicle credits, which are counted toward the state's goal of getting more environmentally friendly vehicles on the road.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, August 19, 2002

Computerised mobile pollution units launched:
In a high tech anti-pollution drive, the Andhra Pradesh state government introduced computerised mobile pollution task force units that use web cameras to capture the image of vehicle number plates and a computerised testing machine to process the emission levels.

Newstime, Hyderabad, August 18, 2002, Page No.3

Tokyo OKs sulfur-light diesel sales:
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government said it will allow gas stations in the metropolis to sell diesel fuel with a lower sulfur density, which would make it easier for car owners to install equipment that would reduce particulate emissions. It will be the first time such fuel is sold at regular gas stations in Japan, metropolitan officials said. The announcement came ahead of Tokyo's new regulations on diesel cars planned to take effect next year. Diesel-powered cars emit larger amounts of particulates than other autos.

Japan Times (Internet), Japan, August 17, 2002

Ethanol-doped petrol mandatory in nine states and four UTs:
As part of efforts to reduce oil import dependency, the sale of 5 per cent ethanol-doped petrol is being mandated in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and Union Territories of Chandigarh, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Pondicherry with effect from January 1, 2004. This was announced by Petroleum Minister Ram Naik said at the consultative committee meeting of petroleum ministry.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, August 14, 2002, Page No.11

Affected owners, drivers to be rehabilitated:
The Bangladesh government is resolute to go ahead with its decision to ban Dhaka city from September 1, launching a scheme to rehabilitate the affected owners and drivers of the vehicles. For relief of the passengers immediate plight arising out of sudden vacuum, 5000 new CNG-run four-stroke three wheelers would be brought in, more double-decker buses introduced with increasing frequency and , if possible shuttle trains services be initiated in and around the city.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, August 13, 2002, Page No.15

CNG deadline cuts city's rickshaw count by 10000:
The two RTOs at Andheri and Wadala, have cancelled the registrations of 10742 autorickshaws in Mumbai as vehicle owners had not complied with the High Court order of converting the vehicles to ply on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or the newly installed Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG). Effectively, there are only about 650 autorickshaws that need to convert to CNG or LPG.

The Indian Express, Mumbai, August 13, 2002, Page No.5

5000 four-stroke engine baby-taxis from Sept 1:
The Bangladesh government will introduce 5000 environment -freindly four-stroke baby-taxis for the people affected by the ban on two-stroke three-wheelers. The four-stroke three-wheelers will be distributed through Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) among the genuine affected owners of the banned vehicles.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, August 12, 2002, Page No.16

Two ministries in tussle over CNG sites:
As Bangladesh's two ministeries stood at longerheads over who should have the authority to permit CNG stations, an inter-ministerial meeting decided to resolve all hassles within 10 days. It also decided not to lease out any government land to any person or private business establishment for CNG station without the recommendation of the RPGCL and the Energy Ministry.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, August 12, 2002, Page No.1

Ban on 2-stroke vehicle a right to life :
Huda: Bangladesh communications minister Barrister Nazmul Huda said the government decision to ban the two-stroke engine run auto-rickshaws in Dhaka was based on the 'right to life' principle as the vehicle causes several thousand premature deaths every year.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, August 7, 2002, Page No.15

Haze over Indian Ocean, city at sea:
Delhi's vehicular pollution could not only be causing your child's latest bronchial or asthma attack, it might alter the amount of sunlight and rainfall India receives, affected the agricultural season and climate. Scientists of the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) have found a thick brown layer of haze over northern Indian Ocean. The haze id one-three kilometer thick and spread over an area seven times the size of India. No city is being blamed for the man-made haze, which is 85 p.c. aerosols, but the Capital's high SPM levels might have some role to play. "It is difficult to say that Delhi or Mumbai contribute so much percentage of the haze. But this study is a beginning and must work as a warning for us," says Sunita Narain, director, Centre for Science and Environment.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, August 13, 2002, Page No.1supp

IOC introduces eco-friendly fuel:
A much cleaner and greener environment and far less polluted future became a reality with the launch of first-ever 'Autogas' by the oil major Indian Oil Corporation in South India near Hyderabad. The eco-friendly fuel in line with the international standards, has been introduced by the oil major, by launching the first Auto LPG Dispensing Station (ALDS) at a IOC dealer depot near Hyderabad.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, August 13, 2002, Page No.4

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, August 11, 2002

Drop in CNG prices unlikely:
After having seen long queues outside CNG filling stations, Delhi now appears to be heading for a problem of plenty as projections reveal that CNG supply would by June 2003 be much more than the demand. But rather than being a 'good news' this fact is going to prevent a drop in CNG prices in the future.

The Hindu, New Delhi, August 11, 2002, Page No.4

Deadline for transporters:
West Bengal state transport minister Subhas Chakraborty gave transport operators two days in which to submit their opinion of the action plan drawn by the government to check vehicular pollution in the state.

The Telegraph, Calcutta, August 11, 2002, Page No.8

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, August 10, 2002

Action plan on green car gets into gear:
Complying with a Supreme Court directive, the West Bengal state government finalised its action plan to make vehicles plying in the Calcutta city and other parts of the state more eco friendly. State transport minister Subhas Chakraborty will place the plan before transporters organisations and environmentalists to seek their views, before sending it to the apex court.

The Telegraph, Calcutta, August 10, 2002, Page No.15

CNG safety:
Operators blame govt.: Barring one Telco model, no CNG bus in the Capital, new or converted, is meeting safety norms notified on November 19, 2001, Transport Minster Ajay Maken said today. The Transport Department has thus banned registration of all CNG buses. Bus operators are up in arms against the move. "Why did the government not look into this matter earlier? Now that we have ordered the chassis and are getting the bodies of buses made, our bodies of buses made, our buses are not being registered. It is the fault of the conversion agencies and the manufacturers if they don't meet norms.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, August 10, 2002, Page No.3supp

'Save Charminar' plan ready for take-off, finally:
The Charminar, the famous landmark of Hyderabad, may finally get a breather. After years of being battered by pollutants, most notably exhaust fumes of automobiles that whiz past it at the rate of 30 to 40 vehicles per minute, and the resultant vibration, the 400-year-old monument has now some hope. The Charminar 'pedestrianisation' project, which aims at saving the monument from further damage by diverting the automobile traffic and creating a buffer zone around it, is finally ready to take-off.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, August 12, 2002, Page No.9

PUC' equals 'pollution un-controlled':
Delhi is a test case for the charade! The city has some 3 million registered vehicles. If it were serious about the Supreme Court direction on vehicular pollution it should have been issuing some 1.2 crore annual pollution under check (PUC) certifications : or say 1 crore, give and take the odd vehicle owner who may have got the certification done in another city or those who fall under other categories. But information given to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) shows that in a year barely 17-20 per cent PUC certifications are issued in the national capital.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, August 11, 2002, Page No.1

Hero Motors to roll out fuel friendly bike:
Hero Motors, part of the Munjals-promoted Hero group, is preparing to launch India's most fuel efficient motor scooter next month. Christened Hero Smart, the scooter-motorcycle hybrid vehicle will be priced at Rs 26000 and delivers a fuel efficiency of 100 km to a litre of petrol.

The Times of India, New Delhi, August 8, 2002, Page No.15

CNG buses should adhere to safety norms: Maken:
CNG buses manufactured by Ashok Leyland and Telco Motors will be registered only after a certificate is submitted with the registering authority stating that they adhere to safety norms of November 19,2001. Delhi Transport Minister Ajay Maken admitted that even manufacturing companies were not meeting the latest safety norms.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, August 8, 2002, Page No.5

IGL advised to increase sales, not raise prices:
Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) depreciated its revenue returns to justify the price hike of compressed natural gas (CNG) from Rs 13.11 to Rs 16.83 says a report. IGL has maintained that its sales revenue was not enough to cover the increased costs of operation and infrastructure development.

The Times of India, New Delhi, August 08, 2002, Page No.3

No fitness certificate for converted buses:
The transported Department has stopped issuing fitness certificates to retrofitted CNG buses since yesterday. This means that diesel buses which have installed CNG kits will not be allowed to ply in the Capital. The decision comes in the wake of the Supreme Court order asking the Department to take converted buses that don't meet safety norms, off the road from August 5. The Department had last week filed an application in Court seeking three-month's time to check all the existing converted buses and maintained that "prima facie it appears as though all the buses are meeting safety norms."

The Indian Express, New Delhi, August 8, 2002, Page No.4supp

State to rein in 3 - wheelers:
In order to regulate the number of three wheeler contract carriages operating in the Hyderabad city, the State issued a GO Ms No 137 on Tuesday restricting the number of three wheeler contract carriages. The decision has been taken to reduce vehicular pollution, traffic congestion and controlling the traffic. However, LPG-driven three-wheeler contract carriages will be allowed.

Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabad, August 7, 2002,Page No.8

Pollution checks may fail to alter smoke levels:
With five days remaining to implement the August 9 deadline, senior officials in the Pollution Control Board and the Transport Department fear that the pollution levels will continue to remain the same even after the application of deadline. Reason only three and four wheelers will be targeted in the beginning. This means 11 lakh two wheelers in Hyderabad will go unchecked.

Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabad, August 5, 2002, Page No.6

CNG buses will get safety check:
The Delhi Government will soon set up a safety council comprising of technical experts to ascertain whether the converted CNG buses in the city comply with the latest safety norms. The members of the council will include scientists and technocrats. This decision was taken after a Supreme Court direction to check whether CNG buses conform to the safety standards. The court had ordered that buses which do not meet the safety norms should be off the roads after August 5. However, all 1,850 converted CNG buses continue to ply on Delhi roads.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, August 7, 2002, Page No.9

Registrationof converted CNG buses banned:
Citing safety concerns, the Delhi state government banned fresh registration of diesel buses which have either converted their engines to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) or replaced them with new CNG engines. None of the firms involved in conversion and retrofitment have given us an undertaking that they are conforming to the latest safety prarmeters' said state transport minister Ajay Maken.

The Times of India, New Delhi, 07/08/2002, Page No.4

Safety panel for CNG buses soon:
The Delhi state government will set up a council of technical experts to ascertain whether CNG buses in the city comply with the latest safety parameters. The experts will be scientists and technocrats drawn from testing agencies and private companies in the CNG business, as well as representatives of the manufacturers.

The Times of India, New Delhi, August 6, 2002, Page No.3

Switchover to LPG, CNG vehicles a difficult task:
The Union road transport and highways ministry has reportedly told the environment ministry that its plan for 'compulsory switchover' to LPG or CNG of all motor vehilces in cities, as polluted as Delhi, may be difficult. It is definitely not feasible for two-wheelers to switchover to CNG mode, nor can the diesel-fuelled vehicles be converted to LPG, it added.

The Times of India, New Delhi,August 6, 2002, Page No.5

CNG-singed Delhi govt. fears taking LPG plunge:
Four LPG filling stations - one built 18 months ago - are lying empty in the Capital. This, despite the Supreme Court's attempts to encourage LPG as an alternate fuel. The reason: There are no vehicles with legally permitted LPG kits on the road today. Firstly, after burning its hands with CNG, Transport Department is very wary of trying another new fuel. We want to ensure the safety and supply aspects first, is what they say.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, August 6, 2002, Page No.3supp

Taxi unions to appeal CNG conversion order:
With less than a month's notice left for taxis and autorickshaws to convert to CNG, taxi unions plan to appeal for further extension. They expect to give a petition to this effect in the Supreme Court by August 10. If granted, this will be the fourth extension. 'We thought that three months would be enough, but a severe dearth of engines in the market, have left many taxis unconverted', says A L quadros of the Mumbai Taximen's Union. The vehicle's engine needs to be changed before the vehicle is fitted with a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

The Indian Express, Mumbai, August 5, 2002, Page No.3

China offers help with developing CNG kits:
China will cooperate with Pakistan in developing economical and durable compressed natural gas kits and filling stations, by a two-member Chinese delegation visiting the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The delegation comprised Mr Wu Jun and Mr Jiang Qinxian, the managing directors of two private Chinese companies.

Dawn (Internet), Pakistan, August 5, 2002

2225 vehicles found violating pollution norms:
Of the 277744 vehicles checked in Delhi by the Delhi government's transport department last month, 2225 have been found violating various pollution control norms. While 1924 vehicle owners were prosecuted for not possessing Pollution Under Control certificates, 301 vehicles of motorists were found to be polluting beyond the prescribed limit, despite possessing a PUC certificate.

The Statesman, New Delhi, August 5, 2002, Page No.3

CNG can be much cheaper, says report:
The price of compressed natural gas (CNG) in Delhi is high due to poor planning by Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL), besides heavy maintenance loss, administrative expenses, interest rates on loans and high taxes, a report on CNG pricing has said. Prepared by the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority, better known as the Bhure Lal Committee, the report was submitted to the Supreme Court recently.

The Times of India, New Delhi, August 5, 2002, Page No.3

Bush cracks the whip on diesel engine emissions:
Over the fierce objections of the long-haul trucking industry and Republican lawmakers, the Bush administration has approved hefty new penalties for the makers of diesel engines that do not reduce their emission pollutants by October. The penalties run up to $12000 for every engine that is made after Oct 1 and violated federal emission standards.

The Times of India, New Delhi, August 4, 2002, Page No.15

Scam holding up CNG mother stations?:
The Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee suspects a dispute over the "commission" in the purchase of equipment is delaying the setting up of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mother stations in the Capital. "Or why else should the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas take so long to increase the supply of gas to Delhi?" asks DPCC Spokesperson Mukesh Sharma. Asserting that the suspicion has been reinforced by the petrol pump scam that has Union Petroleum and Natural Gas minister Ram Naik in the eye of storm, Sharma told media persons the minister has remained indifferent to the concerns of the Capital's transporters and not done much to mitigate the CNG crisis.

The Tribune, New Delhi, August 4, 2002, Page No.sp3

CNG safety Council to be set up:
Taking its concern further for the safety of lakhs of commuters traveling in CNG buses and in an effort to put an end to plying of unsafe technology on roads, the Delhi Government has decided to constitute a permanent "Safety Council" on the lines of the Delhi Pollution control Committee. Consisting of automobile experts, this council would provide inputs to the Government from time to time in the safety aspects, emission standards and on safety training to staff.

The Hindu, New Delhi, August 4, 2002, Page No.4

Govt. seeks time to recheck CNG buses:
The Delhi government on Saturday said it was "prima facie" satisfied that 1846 retrofitted CNG buses met the safety norms prescribed in the November 19, 2002 notification issued by the Center. As the August 5 deadline for banning buses which did not meet the safety requirements drew close, the Delhi government filed an application on Saturday in the Supreme Court seeking three months' time to recheck these vehicles. The Government said it gave clearance to these buses to ply on road on the basis of certificates issued by the testing agencies recognized by the Center. So, the Delhi government could not be blamed if the vehicles did not meet the safety requirements, the applications said.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, August 4, 2002, Page No.3

Converted buses meet norms, operators tell govt.:
The 2,000-odd converted diesel buses with CNG kits will remain on the roads for sometime at least. The Supreme Court had passed an order, this Monday, saying that unless they comply with the safety norms notified in November, last year, all retrofitted buses should be taken off the roads from August 5. The Transport Department has come up with an alternate action plan and has filed a status report in Court. "The kit manufactures and operators have assured us that all buses fitted after November 18 last year are meeting the safety checks and procedures specified in the notification. So, none of them will go off the roads on Monday, when the case comes up for hearing. "It is ridiculous to say that these buses are meting safety standards. However, the specifications are not difficult to meet. If the Transport Department comes up with a procedure and a time schedule within which the buses will be checked, then it is all right," said Sunita Narain of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Earlier this year, CSE had commissioned a study wherein experts had found that the converted buses were not meeting the safety standards laid down in November 2001.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, August 3, 2002, Page No.3 supp

Carbon dioxide exhaust from vehicles is surging:
American cars and light trucks produce a fifth of all carbon dioxide in the country associated with problems of global warming, and those emissions have begun to surge after decades of steady decline, a new study says.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, August 1, 2002

Nissan to start selling fuel cell cars in 2003:
Nissan Motor Co Ltd, Japan's third largest automaker, said this week it plans to sell its first fuel cell car next year, speeding up its original plans for a launch in 2005. "We are advancing it by two years," Nissan Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn told a news conference.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, August 1, 2002

CNG supply cut fuels resentment:
The "fall back users" of natural gas supplied by the Gas Authority of India Limited are crying foul over the cutting of gas supply to their industrial units by the authority under orders from the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on the ground that the "beneficiary" Indraprastha Gas Limited for whom the gas gas has been taken away is in no position to use the excess supply. The National Capital Region Natural Gas Industrial Consumers association has contended that IGL, had expressed its inability to cope with the transport sector's demand for CNG, claiming the supply from GAIL was inadequate.

The Hindu, New Delhi, August 1, 2002, Page No.4

Fitness checks on CNG not enough, say experts:
Top CNG experts have expressed serious concern over the quality of fitness checks at the state transport authority's vehicle inspection centre at Burari. In a report after their second visit to the city last month, experts Lennart Erlandsson and Christopher Weaver (US), said the quality of fitness checks was a major concern.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, August 1, 2002, Page No.2

Driveagainst pollution:
The Transport Department has deployed 26 inforcement teams enforce the drive against polluting vehicles plying in Delhi. Out of the total vehicles checked 2225 owners were found violating the prescribed norms and 1924 vehicles have been prosecuted under section 190(2) of Motor Vehicles Act.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, Augsut 1, 2002, Page No.2

'Ethanol in fuel will benefit different sectors':
Use of ethanol as a blend in automobile fuel would benefit a cross section of the society besides reducing consumption of fossil fuel and controlling vehicular emissions. This was the message sought to be conveyed by stake holders keen on speedy launch of bio fuel at one day business meet organised in Chennai.

The Hindu, Chennai, July 31, 2002, Page No.5

2,000 CNG buses to go off roads from Monday:
Around 2,000 retrofitted or converted CNG buses will go off the roads on August 5. Delhi Government officials say they don't have the infrastructure to ensure that the 2001 safety norms are implemented for these buses. And they cannot check each bus and issue safety certificates.The job of ensuring safety norms are met, officials say, should be done by the three agencies of the central government which have both the know-how and the infrastructure to do it.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, July 31, 2002, Page No.3

Brussels acts over missed scrap car deadline:
The European Commission has started legal action against all 15 European Union member states for failing to meet the deadline over stringent new rules about handling scrap cars. The rules are part of the Commission's campaign to reduce waste and make industry pay for thepollution it caues, and are expected to cost the motor industry billions of euros.

The Statesman, New Delhi, July 31, 2002, Page No.III

LPG-run buses to hit roads soon:
Soon, Diesel bus operations will have be saddled with only Compressed Natural Gas as an option. The Union Ministry of Road Transport has recently notified a draft proposal for allowing buses to run on Liquefied Petroleum Gas. LPG-run vehicles may hit the roads within a year.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, July 31, 2002, Page No.3

Industries decry stoppage of CNG supply:
The industrial consumers of compressed natural gas (CNG) today decried the stoppage of supply to them and urged the Government to resume it till the Indraprastha Gas Limited was able to utilise the increased allocation of green fuel. The Government has doubled the allocation of compressed natural gas to IGL, from 0.98 million standard cubic metres per day to 2 MMSCMD in June, 2002, the Rajya Sabha was told today. The situation of the transport sector has not improved as IGL has not been able to set up infrastructure facilities to utilise the increased supply.

Business Line, New Delhi, July 31, 2002, Page No.2

Another transport crisis in the offing:
Delhi may be in for another transport crisis when over 2000 retrofitted buses will go off the roads next month. The Supreme Court had ordered that retrofitted buses or those converted to CNG from diesel mode will not ply in Delhi from 5 August without a transport department certification.

The Statesman, New Delhi, July 31, 2002, Page No.3

MPPCB to monitor pollution checking:
The Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) has received complaints against the ongoing process of vehicular pollution checking at different centres. MPPCB chairman Dr. PS Dube told that on receipt of complaints from citizens he sent a vehicle at two centres for checking pollution level and found there was a difference between the pollution level recorded for the vehicle at both the centres.

Central Chronicle, Bhopal, July 31, 2002, Page No.3

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, July 30, 2002

Safety norms row leaves many fuming by Shubhajit Roy:
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, July 30, 2002

Thailand's tuktuks take to Bangladesh streets:
The tuktuk, the popular three-wheeled vehicle widely used in Thailand, made its debut on the crowded streets of the Bangladesh capital Dhaka last week as a replacement for baby taxis blamed for polluting the city. Bangladeshi company International Project Support Services System Limited (IPSSL) imported the Thai vehicle, which runs on compressed natural gas (CNG), after Bangladesh decided to ban the baby taxis run on petrol. "The vehicle is completely pollution-free and also environment-friendly," said IPSSL Managing Director Haider Uzzaman, during a formal launch of the tuktuk service.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, July 29, 2002

Toyota to double hybrid vehicle lineup by 03 - paper:
Toyota Motor Corp plans to double the number of its eco-friendly hybrid models to six by the end of 2003 to cement its lead in the growing field of low emission vehicles, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun's online Saturday edition said. Toyota, Japan's largest automaker, will release in the fall a hybrid gas-electric version of its 2-liter Crown sedan and will later add hybrid models of the Harrier sport-utility vehicle, along with its recently debuted Alphard minivan, the paper said.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, July 29, 2002

3000 trucks turned away from Delhi:
Over 3000 trucks were prevented from entering the city on Saturday(27th) and Sunday(28th) morning. Irate truckers continued to vent their anger by causing traffic jams at several entry points of Delhi. On Sunday over 3000 trucks were turned back from the border as they were not carrying goods for the city.

The Times of India, New Delhi, July 29, 2002, Page No.1

Centre's CNG promises fail to enthuse Delhi:
The ongoing war of words between the Delhi government and the Union ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has intensified with the Ministry asserting that all effective steps are being taken to step up CNG supply to Delhi. It said an investment of over Rs 522 crores was going to be made over the next one year to strengthen the CNG infrastructure in the Capital and augment the supply of the green fuel to 16 lakh kg per day.

The Hindu, New Delhi, July 28, 2002, Page No.4

Ban on trucks a smokescreen?:
If the day old ban on entry of trucks has already put road users to avoidable inconvenience, what has confounded experts is Delhi Traffic Police's utter disregard for the elementary. A non-governmental organisation engaged in the research and analysis of automobile and road transport sectors, the Indian Foundation of Transport Research and Training has written to Lieutenant Governor Vijay Kapoor objecting to the ban on the premises that "prohibiting trucks from passing through Delhi ignoring or overlooking the overloading factor is nothing but self-deception."

The Hindu, New Delhi, July 28, 2002, Page No.sp1

Other States' vehicles less polluting, says study:
Contrary to the general perception that commercial vehicles from other states using Capital as a transit point are a major source of air pollution, transport experts say those plying within the Capital are more polluting. A study carried out by the Central road Research Institute on the direction of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has said this was because the commercial vehicles from other states entering the city were much younger and fit compared to those plying within the metropolis.

The Hindu, New Delhi, July 27, 2002, Page No.3

92 p.c. vehicles in Delhi follow pollution norms:
Enforcement wing of the Transport Department has found that more and more vehicles in the Capital are complying with the pollution control norms. Almost 92 per cent of the over 27,000 vehicles checked by it were meeting standards set by Central Motor Vehicles Rules. Since the beginning of the is month, 26 enforcement teams were deployed throughout the city to enforce pollution-related provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. Authorities found that only 2,225 vehicle owners were violating norms.

The Indian Express,New Delhi, July 27, 2002, Page No.4supp

U.S. approves Honda car for first fuel-cell certificate:
Honda Motor Co. said it had received the first U.S. government certificate for fuel cell vehicles, clearing the way for their highway use. This is an important milestone for the automobile industry that holds the promise of cleaner air,said an official of the Environmental Protection Agency.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, July 26, 2002, Page No.12

CNG woes will be over by December: Naik:
The Centre today said the CNG crisis in Delhi would be over after a Rs 522 crore CNG dispensing infrastructure became operational by the year end. The project involving increasing the compressors capacity and constructing a 23 km long CNG pipeline would increase supplies and eliminate queues at dispensing stations, Petroleum Minister Ram Naik told.

The Tribune, New Delhi, August 25, 2000 Page No.sp3

Don't crib, CNG 'cheapest' in Delhi: Naik:
The Bhure Lal committee is still probing the fairness of CNG price hike by Indraprastha Gas Limited but the Petroleum Ministry has already absolved the company. "CNG is cheapest in Delhi, though places like Mumbai are much nearer to the gas source," said Petroleum Minister Ram Naik after meeting Subhash Chopra who had come with the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee delegation to discuss the CNG crisis in the city and hike in the price of the gas. Managing Director, IGL, A K De, said, By the end of this month, we will be able to cater to over 6,000 buses. We also plan to set up four big stations between December and June.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, July 25, 2002, Page No.3supp

Transit trucks can't enter Delhi from July 27:
Trucks not bound for Delhi will not be allowed to enter the city from July 27. Following the strong rebuke and showcause notice issued by the Supreme Court, Delhi government and Delhi Police have worked out a plan to ban the entry of interstate goods vehicles not destined for Delhi. The Supreme Court had instructed that only trucks that conform to Bharat stage II emission norms (Euro II) and are carrying supplies to and from the Capital, be allowed in.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, July 25, 2002, Page No.1supp

California leads battle against car emissions:
California set out to teach the US and the world about efforts to control global warming. The state's environmental mission was formally launched by Gray Davis, California's governor, who signed into law a bill that will oblige carmakers to reduce emissions of gases such as carbon dioxide and methane.

Financial Times, London, July 23, 2002, Page No.4

Pollution checking under cloud:
Vehicular pollution checking being done by private agencies on the directives of district police has come under suspicion in Madhya Pradesh. There is a difference in the pollution level of a vehicle checked by two different agencies. In order to put a check on the increasing vehicular pollution, the District Planning Committee in May 2002 gave permission to 13 private agencies for checking the pollution level of vehicles by setting up camps in different parts of the Bhopal.

Central Chronicle, Bhopal, July 23, 2002, Page No.3

CNG crisis : DPCC team to meet Union Minister:
A delegation of the Delhi Pradesh congress Committee led by its president, Subhash Chopra, will meet the Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, Ram Naik, to lodge their strong protest over the continued shortage of CNG fuel in the Capital and the harassment being caused to motorists and commuters.

The Hindu, New Delhi, July 24, 2002, Page No.4

Vehicle conversions galore have State gasping:
Replacement of petrol engines with diesel ones was banned nearly two years ago under Section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act but the practice continues openly in many automobile garages. Diesel engines cause more pollution and lead to an increase in incidence of respiratory diseases in urban areas.

The Indian Express, Hyderabad, July 22, 2002, Page No.1

No entry to non-Euro II trucks to reduce pollution by 55 pc:
Prohibiting the entry of diesel-run trucks and goods vehicles not complying with Euro II norms in the capital could reduce pollution levels by more than half, latest research shows, reports PTI.Allowing entry only to Euro II compliant vehicles, as directed by the Supreme Court in its July 15 order, will reduce particulate matter emissions in Delhi by a whopping 55 per cent, the Centre for Science and Environment(CSE) says.

The Free Press Journal, Mumbai, July 22, 2002

Computerising pollution control systems mooted:
In a bid to reduce vehicular pollution, an informal committee constituted by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) in association with the State Pollution Control Boards and Transport Departments of Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal have advocated the computerisation of PUC (Pollution under control) centres.

Business Line, New Delhi, July 22, 2002, Page No.2

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, July 22, 2002

Discard in DTC results in delay of CNG bus purchase:
The Delhi Transport Corporation may soon be running short of CNG buses as it is yet to place orders with Telco Motors.Telco was to deliver first 50 chassis by August. Of the 1,000 buses that DTC needs, it has placed orders for only 500 with Ashok Leyland. Allegations have also been flying thick and fast in the DTC that the government is favouring Ashok Leyland. But Transport Minister Ajay Maken scotched the rumours saying reason for doing so was that Telco's buses are technically not as good as Ashok Leyland's.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, July 20, 2002, Page No.3

Delhi Govt. mops up Rs 17cr as fine on diesel buses:
The Delhi Government has deposited Rs 17.3 crore collected as fines from diesel bus operators with the Supreme Court. On April 6, the Supreme Court had directed the Transport Department to levy a fine of Rs 500 per day for running diesel buses for a month. After that the fine per day would be Rs 1,000 per bus. The money collected will enable scheduled caste unemployed youth to buy CNG buses, the Supreme Court had said. The scheme has been formulated by the Delhi Government and been approved by the Finance and the Planning Department . It will be implemented by the Delhi Scheduled Castes Financial and Development Corporation. The transport department has also canceled permits of 1,645 diesel buses whose owners did not obtain their CNG chassis from the manufacturers till April 5, 2002.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, July 19, 2002, Page No.5

No solution for trucks:
Lack of coordination between Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh (UP) has led to non-compliance with the Supreme Court order banning the entry of trucks not carrying goods for Delhi into the city. The apex court, which had directed city police to bar the entry of such trucks, pulled up the authorities for non-compliance.

The Times of India, New Delhi, July 19, 2002, Page No.3

13th CNG bus on fire, no norms yet by Gunjan Veda:
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, July 18, 2002

Govtto move SC against IGL:
The Delhi state government would soon file an application in the Supreme Court against Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) for not providing adequate Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to the city. Delhi state transport minister Ajay Maken told members of Delhi Vidhan Sabha that the government would apprise the court of IGL's inability to provide adequate gas to 61000 CNG run vehicles plying on the city roads.

The Times of India, New Delhi, July 18, 2002, Page No.3)

IGL unable to meet supply target: Maken:
There is a shortage of 2 lakh kg of CNG as the Indraprastha Gas Limited has failed to meet the Supreme Court orders, alleged Transport Ministers Ajay Maken on Wednesday. He claimed this was the reason for long queues andtraffic congestion. Maken said at present the CNG requirement in Delhi in around 7.87 lakh kg per day and IGL is dispensing only 5.23 lakh kg per day.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, July 18, 2002, Page No.5

CNG bus catches fire after refill:
A CNG bus caught fire minutes after it was filled at Candgi Ram Akhara gas station in north Delhi Wednesday afternoon. Police said the bus (DL-IP-8546) caught fire after the driver switched on the ignition. THE bus owners claimed that the fire was caused by a gas leakage in the compressor. However, Indraprastha Gas Limited officials denied it, saying that the gas leaked from the cylinders.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, July 18, 2002, Page No.7

Roadblock for CNG pipeline again:
Delhi's hopes of getting better CNG supply will have to wait. The permission to lay the gas pipeline in the Contonment area was stalled again. Formal approval for the pipeline was expected by 17th July, as the road owning agency, Public Works Department (PWD) and the land-owning agency, the defence authorities, had agreed to do so at a meeting on July 10.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, July 18, 2002, Page No.3

Pollution Board bans 'noisy' three-wheelers:
In a step likely to check substantially vehicular pollution in Patna, chairman of the Bihar State Pollution Control Board, J P Yadav on Saturday passed an order putting a ban on three-wheelers (Vikram). The BSPCB has directed the Transport Commissioner to enforce this. According to BSPCB analysts S N Rao, chief of the scientific wing, the directive has been passed as checks have revealed that most three-wheelers emitted more than the permissible sound level.

The Hindustan Times, Patna, July 16, 2002, Page No.3

Pollution checking at slow pace:
The camps for checking pollution being organised by the Traffic Police since the last three days, have started bearing its fruits. However, the residents of the Bhopal are not showing much interest in getting their vehicle checked. The District Police had started the camps at four places with the help of private agencies on July 13.

Central Chronicle, Bhopal, July 16, 2002, Page No.3

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, July 17, 2002

If trucks go Euro II, Delhi can take off masks by Gunjan Veda:
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, 16^th July, 2002

Caution against 'arbitrary fixing' of vehicles lifespan:
The ministry of Road Transport and Highways is against "arbitrary fixing" of the lifespan of transport vehicles. It is in favour of control of older vehicles though schemes of incentives and disincentives. In a communication to the Ministry of Heavy Industry, which is toying with the idea of framing a "National Scrappage Policy", the Road Transport Minister said that it had been its consistent stand that the older vehicles be controlled through incentives and disincentives in accordance with the general global practice.

The Hindu, New Delhi, July 13, 2002, Page No.8

Delhi still gets deadly diesel dose:
Some 60000 trucks trundle through Delhi every day. They are poorly maintained, run on high sulphur diesel and are the cause of air pollution. 'The trucks use diesel with 2500 ppm (particles per million) sulphur. This means the sulphur content is five times more than the 500 ppm diesel we use of here' says Sunita Narain, director of Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Delhi sells Euro-II complaint low sulphur diesel, which is available only in four metros.

The Times of India, New Delhi, July 5, 2002, Page No.1

Two voices on anti-pollution drive:
Has Delhi's new Police Commissioner jumped the gun and infringed on the authority of the Government by ordering postponement of the much trumpeted drive against polluting vehicles till July 16? The move has created confusion among vehicle owners with the State Transport Authority denying having issued any such order and maintaining that its mobile squads are penalising polluting vehicles.

The Hindu, New Delhi, July 5, 2002, Page No.4

Bus nightmare haunts schools: The nightmare of CNG non-availability has returned to haunt Delhi schools, many of which reopened this week after the summer vacations. In many schools, buses missed routes because they were stuck at filling stations for perhaps 12 or 24 hours. As a result, flustered school principals were being forced to hunt around for alternatives.

The Times of India, New Delhi, July 5, 2002, Page No.3)

Delhi still gets deadly diesel dose by Shubhajit Roy:
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, July 5, 2002

GAIL complies with SC directives: GAIL has augmented supplies of natural gas to power and transport sectors in compliance with the Supreme Court directives. According to a GAIL releases, supplies of natural gas to recently made operational Pragati Power Plant of DVB and to IGL for supplies of CNG-run vehicles in Delhi have been augmented by 1 million standard cubic metres per day. The apex court had directed that natural gas be provided for power generation on priority basis and also supplies of CNG be augmented to overcome additional demand.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, July 4, 2002, Page No.1

Pollution check deadline extended till July 15: Delhi Police Commissioner R S Gupta today extended the deadline for vehicle owners to obtain Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificated to July 15. He also directed the Delhi Traffic Police to issue challans to violators from July 16. The extension has been grated tin view of the number of complaints lodged by Delhiites saying that they were unable to get the checks done due to the long queues at petrol pumps.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, July 4, 2002, Page No.1supp

Parents refuse to send children in CNG buses: The CNG crisis is back in a different form. This time not due to lack of buses on Delhi roads but because people are afraid to board these buses. Summer vacations are over but parents are simply refusing to send their children to school in these buses. Their fear is that these buss may explode anytime.

The Statesman, New Delhi, July 4, 2002, Page No.2

CNG queues disrupting traffic: Queue outside CNG filling stations are once again posing a problem to traffic. Traffic police are busy regulating the queues that have started spilling onto the main road in various parts of the city. The problem becomes acute in the peak hours. These queues create hurdles on the road, said a traveler.

The Times of India, New Delhi, July 4, 2002, Page No.3

Using hydrogen as fuel:
As oil becomes more expensive, hydrogen may replace it as a transport fuel. With new uses of hydrogen as a fuel, the primary energy demand for its production may begin to exceed that for electricity production. The first fuel cell electric cars running on hydrogen are expected to be in the market in 2004.

Newstime, Hyderabad, July 3, 2002, Page No.8

PUC checks based on wrong premise by Sangeet Kumar:
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, July 3, 2002

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, June 24, 2002

Adulterated fuel seized:
In major crackdown on adulterators of petrol and diesel, the Nagpur (Maharashtra) police raided a chemical factory in the industrial estate of Buti Bori and seized chemicals worth over Rs 11 lakh.

Business Line, New Delhi, 19^th June, 2002, Page No.17

Implementation of pollution tax delayed:
The Nepal government has suffered a loss of some 180 million rupees in the last three years as it had failed to give its decision to levy pollution tax in the consumption of every litre of fuel in the Kathmandu Valley. The government had decided to levy 50 paisa per litre as pollution tax from the consumers of petrol and diesel. (The Kathmandu Post, Kathmandu, 26/06/2002, Page No.2)- 2-stroke vehicles to be banned from Sept 1 : Huda: Bangladesh communications minister Barister Nazmul Huda said that playing of two-stroke three-wheelers would be banned in the capital from September 1 to control air pollution.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, 25^th June, 2002, Page No.15

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, 21^st June, 2002

Delhi stirs fuel options, looks hard at LPG:
Liquified 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. Centre for Science and Environment director Sunita Narain says 'LPG is definitely a clean fuel than CNG. But it's difficult to handle.

The Times of India, New Delhi, 19^th June, 2002, Page No.1

People to become ' vehicle' of change:
The state Cabinet on Monday took some harsh decisions which would force the people to phase out all types of 15-year old vehicles from the Hyderabad city roads in order to make the Hyderabad pollution free by 2005. The Andhra Pradesh state government's decision to impose 'green levy' on old vehicles under the limits of Hyderabad urban development authority is likely to put a burden to the tune of Rs 1,500 crore on the owners of vehicles.

Newstime, Hyderabad, 18^th June, 2002, Page No.1

Run your wheels on auto-LPG now:
Two more months, and the Chandigarh city residents are likely to have another option to run vehicles on: Auto-LPG. Being cheap fuel costing around Rs 17.65 a litre, as per highly placed sources in oil companies auto-LPG is expected to do well.

The Indian Express, Chandigarh, 18^th June, 2002, Page No.sp1

MTC to get 200 new buses:
The Metropolitan Transport Corporation(MTC) will get 200 new buses in a phased manner. Already 50 chassis have been purchased and sent to the Chromepet Unit for body building and the buses are expected to roll out in a month, Swaran Singh, Managing Director, MTC said today in Chennai. As for addressing pollution problems, the MD said the new buses would conform to Bharat Stage II norms and "zero emissions".

The Hindu, Chennai, 17^th June, 2002, Page No.3

Delhi stirs fuel options, look hard at LPG By Shubhajit Roy:
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, 19^th June, 2002

Air pollutants: none with the wind?:
Delhi's war against pollution continues, but the Capital seems to have won a significant battle. The dust has settled, the air has cleared. Ambient air quality, though not exactly in the pink of health, is slowly, but surely, improving. Going by the latest figures available with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the levels of chemical pollution hovering over Delhi's atmosphere has taken a beating.

The Times of India, New Delhi, 15^th June, 2002, Page No.1(m))

More drivers choose LPG over CNG:
IT's cheaper, safe and more easily available. No wonder more and more taxis and autorickshaws are opting for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as against Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Clear proof of this is the rising number of taxis and three-wheelers being retrofitted with LPG cylinders.

The Indian Express, Mumbai, 12^th June, 2002, Page No.5(m))

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, 09^th June, 2002

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, 07^th June, 2002

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, 07^th June, 2002

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, 07^th June, 2002

Experts call for better security norms:
Two foreign experts who had studied in depth the CNG bus technology in India a year ago today lauded the manner in which the programme has evolved, despite suffering from teething troubles. "The air has cleaned up considerably and you no longer smell the stink of diesel" contended the experts at a press conference convened by the Centre for Science and Environment, which has been rigorously insisting on introduction of more environment-friendly technologies.

The Hindu, New Delhi, 07^thJune, 2002

Policy-makers immune to high vehicular pollution By Chetan Chauhan: 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, 03^rdJune, 2002

LPG may be the answer for fuel - thirstry Delhi By Devirupa Mitra:
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, 02^nd June, 2002

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, 12^th May, 2002

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, 11^th May, 2002

Bhure lal's probe easy, hike in CNG price unfair By Sangeet Kumar:
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, 10^th May 2002

State to smoke out 15 yr. old two-wheelers:
The Andhra Pradesh state government will start weeding out 15 year old vehicles, including two- wheelers, by the month-end. The Cabinet sub-commitee headed by Transport Minister B V Mohan Reddy will finalise the agenda on may 7 and present them to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. The proposals will be put before the Cabinet for approval by mid-May.

Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabad, 05^th May, 2002

Toronto-based Indian's formula for battery-driven cars:
Toronto-based Electrovaya Inc has developed batteries for ears which will make them as viable as any other petroleum driven vehicles, carrying four or more passengers for up to 200 km before requiring a recharge.

The Statesman, New Delhi, 07^th May, 2002

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, 07^th May, 2002

US emissary lobbies with India on climate change By Chandrika Mago:
On a day when the government sought to reassure Parliament it had "not welcomed' US backtracking on a globally negotiated route to check climate change, the Bush Administration's senior climate negotiator was in town, explaining his government's widely- criticised views and discussing areas of possible cooperation with India.Negotiator Harlan Watson's visit, which has environmentalists wondering, is the first by Bush Administration climate change officials.Outside government, Watson and his team met representatives of the NGO, Centre for Science and Environment, on Monday.

The Times of India, New Delhi, 30^th April, 2002

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, 30^th April, 2002

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, 23^rd April, 2002

Ground, surface water unfit to drink:
High level of pollution in the two water sources to Delhi - surface and ground water - is a cause of grave concern for the residents.According to the Centre for Science and Environment, about 1,800 million litres of untreated domestic waste and another 300 million litres of industrial waste end up in the river daily. The 18 major drains of the city also empty out into the Yamuna.

The Times of India, New Delhi, 23^rd April, 2002

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, April 18, 2002

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, April 18, 2002

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, April 18, 2002

With polluting buses back, Delhi air dirty again By Ehtashamuddin Khan
Ait pollution is spiralling again in the Indian capital, with diesel- powered buses back on the road, prompting an environmental group to urge a speedier switch of public transport to a green fuel.The Centre for Science and Environment(CSE) has said there is a need to speed up the process of converting polluting vehicles to the green compressed natural gas(CNG).

The Pioneer, Lucknow, April 17, 2002

SC puts end to CNG crusade in Delhi
The Supreme Court's firm stand on the use of green fuel in the Indian capital has ended a five-year battle between environmentalists and bus owners who had the backing of corporate and political lobbies.The court has made it mandatory for public transport to switch to compressed natural gas (CNG) to improve the air quality in this choking city of 15 million.Environmental watchdog Centre for Science and Environment(CSE) praised the Delhi government for implementing the court's order.

Central Chronicle, Bhopal, April 15, 2002

It's poison everywhere By Saurabh Sinha
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, April 14, 2002

IGL wants to hike prices By Saurabh Sinha
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, April 13, 2002

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, April 12, 2002

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, April 11, 2002

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, April 10, 2002

City coughs up crores for air we breathe By Radhika D Srivastava.
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, April 8, 2002

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, April 7, 2002

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, April 7, 2002

Court trashes govt - hook, line and Mashelkar By Sonu Jain.
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, April 6, 2002

All set, no kits to go: The sad state of LPG dispensing units By Gunjan Veda.
Four petrol pumps across the city already have LPG dispensing units, yet there are no takers for the fuel. The reason - LPG kits approved by the government are yet to hit the market. The Supreme Court had today asked the Centre and the State governments to look at alternate fuels like LPG."Using LPG primarily has three advantages. Firstly, the distribution system for the gas is well-established throughout the country," says Anumita Roy Chowdhury of the Centre for Science and Environment."

The Indian Express, New Delhi, April 6, 2002