57% of Carbon Pollution in Hyderabad Comes from Vehicle Pollution

A recent report that conferred upon Hyderabad the dubious distinction of recording the highest level of vehicular pollution in the country has left city environmentalists alarmed. The study, conducted by the Indian Institute of Science (IISC), Bangalore, stated that the contribution of vehicular pollution to the city's carbon content is over 57% -- higher than the percentage registered in other major cities as Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai. This, despite Hyderabad having a significantly lower number of vehicles compared to the other metro cities. Experts have squarely blamed the Pollution Control Board (PCB) for failing to nip the problem in the bud. They rue how the department, despite being aware of widespread use of adulterated fuel and the presence of a large number of old vehicles on the roads, conducts no checks to punish offenders.

"We don't need a report to tell us that vehicular pollution has increased in the city. It is evident in our daily lives. What is terrifying is that the authorities refuse to act on these long-standing issues," lamented M Padmanabha Reddy, a retired Indian Forest Service officer, deploring the PCB's lackadaisical approach to such serious issues. PCB officials, however, refused to take responsibility. In fact, its officials conveniently blamed the ongoing Metro rail project work for rising air pollution. Tired of this blame-game, environmentalists are now advocating the need for increased green cover.

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