New cars too cause ecological damage

NEW CARS are not necessarily more fuel- efficient or eco-friendly than the older ones. A recent analysis of data on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions has found that at a time when oil price hike has put Indian economy at risk, CO2 emission —which depends directly on the amount of fuel burnt — from newer cars on Indian roads, is on the rise.

The trend emerged when the Centre of Science and Environment (CSE) analysed the emission data compiled by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) from vehicles produced in different time periods —1991- 96, 1996- 2000, post- 2000 and post- 2005.

In Delhi, the total CO2 load from vehicles has shown significant increase. Experts say this is due to the unbridled growth in cars and two- wheelers and an increase in travelling distances. They warn that the impact of this trend on the energy sector can be severe. “Older cars can emit more CO2 due to poor maintenance and deterioration. But newer

cars, even those produced after 2000 and 2005, showing higher levels of CO2 emissions than the older vintages is unexpected and disturbing,” said Anumita Roy Chowdhury, in charge of CSEs Right to Clean Air campaign.

The CSE made efforts to obtain official fuel economy data for car models that are recorded at the time of certification of new vehicles. “We were appalled to discover that this information is not available even under the Right to Information Act. At atime when the country is going bankrupt due to crippling crude oil prices, fuel economy data of cars is held as trade secret,” said Roy Chowdhury. She said the Auto Fuel Policy requires “mandatory disclosures” of fuel economy data by auto companies, but the government has failed to implement it.

Cars and two- wheelers are responsible for 60 per cent of the total CO2 emission in Delhi. Between 2002 and 2007, the CO2 emission load from cars has increased by 73 per cent and from two- wheelers by 61 per cent. Buses contribute much less —20 per cent. Since they carry several times more people, the fuel consumption per head is significantly low. CSEs estimate for BRT corridor shows per capita energy consumption can be 8times higher in cars than buses.