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Pune's Air Crisis: Old Cars Face Ban Soon
11 May
Summary
- Pune plans to ban highly polluting vehicles within two months.
- LEZ initiative aligns with Maharashtra's 2021 Electric Vehicle Policy.
- Polluting vehicle owners may pay daily charge instead of a ban.
Pune is preparing to launch a Low-Emission Zone (LEZ) within two months, targeting highly polluting vehicles. This initiative, developed over three years with support from ITDP India, is mandated by Maharashtra's 2021 Electric Vehicle Policy to curb urban emissions. The LEZ will restrict or charge the most polluting vehicles to reduce harmful particulate matter and nitrogen oxides.
Preliminary studies suggest that strict restrictions on older vehicles could dramatically cut PM2.5 levels. While a final scope is pending, authorities are considering a daily pollution charge for owners of such vehicles as an alternative to a ban, with exemptions for autorickshaws and public transport. Revenue generated could fund public transport and cycling infrastructure upgrades.
Pune's move positions it as a pioneer in India's LEZ implementation. Meanwhile, Pimpri-Chinchwad is planning a city-wide initiative, and other cities like Mathura-Vrindavan and Varanasi are establishing zones for electric vehicles and pedestrians to enhance environmental quality and manage visitor congestion.
