Pollution Masks in Kathmandu

Only 10 years ago, donning a face-mask in Kathmandu meant a few odd things—you were a doctor, an invalid or just fussy. But in that short decade, face-masks have gone from quirky accessories to vital appendages. Today, everyone—pedestrians, motorists and cyclists—are covering their faces against life threatening airborne particulates. Increasingly, living in Kathmandu has also meant constantly struggling to keep it out of your lungs. The deteriorating air quality inside the Valley, due to a host of reasons—ranging from vehicular emissions to industrial fumes and forest fires—have increased the health risk associated with regular exposure to dangerous levels of air pollution. In turn, it has also given seed to a thriving market for face-masks that promise to keep its users safe. But how effective are they? “Masks are no longer an option but has become compulsory in current day Kathmandu,” says Sailendra Dongol, who commutes the city on his bicycle. 

An active member of the Kathmandu Cycle City (KCC), a group of cycling enthusiasts aiming to make Kathmandu an environment-friendly cycle city by 2020, Dongol believes that cyclist are particularly susceptible to prolonged exposure to Kathmandu’s air. Earlier this year, having tried several anti-pollution masks available in the market, Dongol finally settled on the newly-launched Totobobo mask. Now six months and hundreds of grey filters later, he finally believes he has found a mask that protects him from harmful pollutants, particularly PM 2.5 and PM 10. The Singapore-manufactured Totobobo masks are made from silicon and rubber and are advertised as being ‘leak-proof’. They have two valves placed with interchangeable, activated charcoal filters in each valve, and can be changed depending on the need and desired level of protection. 

The face-mask with ‘N92’ designated filters means that they can block at least 92 percent of very small particles when properly fitted, while the N96 is effective in filtering 96 percent of the small fine particles and microbial agents that otherwise easily pass through the normal cloth and surgical mask commonly in use in the city. According to Nelson Labs, an independent testing centre in the US, “N95 respirators are used to filter contaminants such as dust, fumes, mists, as well as microbial agents including tuberculosis bacteria and flu virus. They are certified to filter greater than or equal to 95 percent of all challenged particles free of oil and greater than 0.3 microns in size, much smaller than the PM2.5 microns, the key pollutants that can directly enter inside the lungs.” The Nelson Labs has certified Totobobo with 99.85 percent effectiveness.

Read the full article @ Kathmandu Post

Confusion Over the Diesel Vehicle Ban in Delhi

Automobile makers may cheer Friday’s order by theSupreme Court lifting the ban on registration of diesel vehicles with engine capacity over 2,000 cc in Delhi, but the government and green groups are opposing various of its aspects.

The ban on registration of passenger vehicles with diesel engines of 2,000 cc or more was imposed in December as a temporary measure to reduce air pollution in the capital. On Friday, a bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakurhad ordered one per cent of such vehicles’ ex-showroom price be paid by manufacturers and distributors for registration in Delhi.

The funds collected from this levy was ordered to be deposited in an account of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to be opened in any public sector bank. However, CPCB officials said the government itself had filed an application against Friday’s order. The new levy has been named environment protection charge after the government argued imposition of taxes was the prerogative of Parliament. Solicitor-General Ranjit Kumar on Friday moved an application against the order, which the court is likely to consider at the next hearing. “No bank account has been opened because details of the Supreme Court order like the rate of tax is sub judice,” a CPCB official said. With the court not specifying the date of the next hearing, the matter has become more complicated.

Read the full article @ Business Standard

Air Pollution in Rio - A View From the Skies

The black mark in the left image shows the location of the Maracanã Stadium. The right image shows the same picture overlaid with air particulate data. The skies over Rio have about the same air pollution seen in cities when there is a light haze in the air.

There's a lot at the Olympics to take your breath away. The amazing opening ceremonies, the athletics, the green pool(s). Now we can add another item to the list: Air pollution. The image above was taken by the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) instrument aboard NASA's Terra satellite on August 2. It shows the elevated levels of air pollution in Rio de Janeiro, which has been plagued with criticism over dirty water in its waterways, and the presence of Zika in its mosquitos.

To be clear, the pollution imaged by MISR in Rio is nowhere near the level of smog in China where air pollution can reach dangerous levels in cities like Beijing. It's more of a light haze than anything else. But the image does show off the capabilities of MISR. Researchers plan on making images like this one, taken from the instrument available to the public in the near future for locations all over the world.

Read the full article @ popsci

No Monsoonal Relief for Indian Air Quality

The much-awaited monsoon season has finally arrived, marking an end to a year of winter smog and the overbearing summer heat. The rains also provide some respite from polluted air in many Indian cities—or so it seems. Clear, smog-free skies, gusty winds and a grassy, fresh smell offer a brief spell of clean air.

However, air quality data over the last two years shows that monsoon air pollution levels are still significantly worse than those recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Although monsoon air is cleaner than air during other seasons, air-pollution levels are worse than what is considered safe and remain a risk to public health.

To understand seasonal air pollution, we examined air quality data published by the US embassy in New Delhi and its consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. We broke down the data between June 2014 and June 2016 into four seasons: winter (December to February), summer (March to June), monsoon (July to September) and post-monsoon (October to November). We then calculated the average PM 2.5 levels for each season. PM 2.5 measures particulate matter that is less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter—particles so small they can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and pose significant health risks.

Read the full article @ Live Mint

Youngistan Wants to Own a Car, Despite Heavy Traffic

However, a little more than half of those interviewed also admitted that driving would be a difficult task. Does owning a car still figure among the aspirations of young Indians, even in a traffic-choked city like Bengaluru? An attitudinal study on car ownership revealed that young adults are open to buying a car as soon as they can afford it. However, a little more than half of those interviewed also admitted that driving would be a difficult task due to traffic congestion.

The study, ‘Analysis of the influences of attitudinal factors on car ownership decisions among urban young adults in a developing country like India’, was conducted by Meghna Verma, M. Manoj and Ashish Verma from the MS Ramaiah Institute of Management and the Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Science (IISc.), Bangalore. It was published in a peer-reviewed magazine on Wednesday. The researchers conducted the survey in universities in Bengaluru. The average age of the respondents was 22 and they had about 6 months’ work experience. About 52 per cent of them were male. About 56 per cent had qualifications of post-graduation or above. The survey sample size was 700.

A comparison with Hong Kong showed that the share of youngsters choosing public transport (bus and metro) in Bengaluru is 66 per cent lower than in Hong Kong. Apart from the possibility of short commute distance and dependency on walking, the study also pointed to the perception of public transport as a reason for this difference.

“It is not just about today; we also have to look at tomorrow. Bengaluru has seen a lot of infrastructural improvements in the last five to ten years, but the situation remains the same, if not worse. We will have to reduce car ownership eventually, and dissuading youngsters who will be part of the workforce in the next few years, will help,” said Prof, Ashish Verma from the IISc.

Read the full article @ the Hindu

China's Elevated Bus: Futuristic 'Straddling Bus' Hits the Road

The 2m-high Transit Elevated Bus (TEB) straddles the cars below, allowing them to pass through. Powered by electricity, the bus is able to carry up to 300 passengers in its 72ft (21m) long and 25ft wide body. A video of a mini-model of the vehicle caused great excitement when it was released in May.

The trial run was conducted on a 300m-long controlled track in the north-eastern city of Qinhuangdao. The vehicle is expected to reach speeds of up to 60km per hour, running on rails laid along ordinary roads. Up to four TEBs can be linked together. "The biggest advantage is that the bus will save lots of road space," the project's chief engineer, Song Youzhou, told state-media agency Xinhua earlier this year. "The TEB has the same functions as the subway, while its cost of construction is less than one fifth of the subway," another engineer Bai Zhiming told news outlet CCTV.

One TEB could replace 40 conventional buses, according to the firm. However, it is unclear when the vehicle will be widely used in Chinese cities. It is not a new idea, but it was not seriously considered until a mini-model of it was launched at the 19th China Beijing International High-Tech Expo in May. A month later, developers announced that the TEB would be ready for a test-run in August. Thousands took to micro-blogging site Weibo to express their amazement and incredulity.

full article @ BBC

Garbage Underbelly of Bengaluru

A dry waste collection centre that has not been functioning for two years, garbage piles that refused to relent in size despite daily clearing and lakes turning into black spots. In just three days after a city-wide exercise to check on solid waste management, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has found over 200 black spots. The Board had formed eight teams to scour all the 198 wards.

In the preliminary stages of the survey, East Bengaluru seemed the worst of the lot. On Wednesday, an inspection of six wards revealed 24 major black spots. In Banaswadi, the transit segregation was occupied by a herd of cows while a Dry Collection Centre has been locked for ‘no apparent reason’ for the past two years. The Banaswadi lake has been converted into a ‘black spot’ with residents spotted dumping garbage bags into the water body, which lacks proper fencing.

Regional officers who talked to The Hindu say much of the problems in garbage collection and segregation are systemic. One problem is the timing of door-to-door collection, which happens primarily between 6.30 a.m. and 9 a.m. “Many residents are not in the house during this time, or do not know when the civic worker arrives. The vehicle waits for barely two minutes at each house. Garbage that is not collected often ends up on roads, lakes, drains or in black spots,” said an environment officer. 

Door-to-door collection often excludes commercial establishments, which are not open during this time. Roadside dumps and black spots are cleared – if at all – by 11 a.m. But by evening, the black spot is back. KSPCB suggests increasing the frequency of clearing black spots, but civic workers plead that their trucks get held up at dumpsites and landfills for hours and even days.

Full article @ the Hindu

Air Pollution Linked to Brain Disorders

Dirty gray particulates hanging around as you inhale aren’t too helpful for public health. Particulates spewing from ICE cars, trucks, and buses affect many people worse than pollen. New research by the American Psychological Association reports that I am not alone in being concerned about this.

The American Psychological Association (APA) links air pollution to brain disorders and diminished cognitive abilities. “Smog in our brains,” published by the American Psychological Association, links air pollution to increased depression, troubles for children in their educational process, and degenerative problems.

“Now, the evidence is mounting that dirty air is bad for your brain as well,” APA writes. Kristin Weir points out, “That yellow haze of smog hovering over the skyline isn’t just a stain on the view. It may also leave a mark on your mind.”

Thank you, APA, for another study to add to the wealth of research supporting commonsense — air pollution is a dumb choice, especially now that we have competitive electric transport and clean electricity options.

Read the full article @ Clean Technica

Indian Passenger Rely on Buses More than Any Other Mode of Transport

Though most in both urban and rural areas primarily rely on buses for travel, other kinds of vehicles, like two-wheelers and cars, dominate. Buses (and trams) account for the bulk of the spending on travel in India, a sample survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) has revealed; yet buses constitute only a small fraction of the total number of vehicles on the roads. Though most people in both urban and rural areas primarily rely on buses for travel, other kinds of vehicles, like two-wheelers and cars, have come to overwhelmingly dominate the transportation scene over the years.

Though the NSSO survey did not take into account the monthly per capita expenses for travelling using the respondents' own vehicles, the percentage share of buses is strikingly high in both urban and rural areas. This, despite those living in urban areas spending a much larger amount on transportation than those in rural areas.

Link to NSSO databases

The survey revealed that spending on transportation accounts for a large share of the expenditure on services. The majority of households - 66 per cent in rural and 62 percent in urban areas had incurred expenditure on bus travel. But in terms of the budget share on bus transport, rural areas were ahead with 68 per cent. The spending on buses was about 10 per cent less in urban areas. The data covered travel expenses for a month. The survey on ‘Household Expenditure on Services and Durable Goods’ was conducted between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015. A total of 7,969 villages and 6,048 urban blocks were surveyed.

The modes of transport that are receding into the background are often the ones that need to be encouraged most. As a National Transport Development Policy Committee Report (NTDPC), released in 2013, observed, "rising car ownership and declining rates of walking and cycling have placed severe pressure on urban roads. Municipal bus services are often in short supply or entirely missing from urban areas where they are much needed. "

Read the full article @ The Hindu

Nigeria Considering Coal Power Plants

In West Africa, the Nigerian federal government intends to use clean coal power plants as part of maximising its power generation mix. On Monday, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, minister of science and technology, stated that his ministry is conducting research into clean coal power plants that will enable the country to expand its energy resources.

Onu made the announcement at the national technical validation workshop on Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL), organised by the Energy Commission of Nigeria with support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) It is reported that the move for government to develop an interest in the use of coal power plants forms part of the SE4ALL Action Agenda for Nigeria. The objectives of the SE4ALL are to ensure universal access to modern energy services, doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix as well as doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency for all by 2030.

Read the full article @ ESI AFRICA

Rains Help Reduce Air Pollution, But Gurgaon (Delhi) is Facing a Different Urban Problem in Rains

The incessant rains over the last couple of days drowned the Millennium City of Gurgaon causing long traffic snarls, some even extending more than 10 kilometres. Several areas in the city were flooded, pointing to the critical lack of infrastructure and a planned drainage system.The situation worsened on Thursday night when commuters, travelling in motorcycles and four-wheelers were stuck in traffic jams for hours.

Check meteorological forecasts @ Delhi Air Quality . Info

This led to a chaotic situation exposing the lack of preparations to deal with such conditions in a city where thousands of commuters enter from different parts of Delhi for different purposes. A large number of multinational companies are housed in the city which employ thousands of people residing in different parts of Delhi. The authorities also seemed under-prepared in dealing with the situation initially as the pumping of water was stopped after a couple of hours on Thursday due to danger of the Badshahpur drain overflowing.

The district magistrate also ordered that schools should remain closed on Friday and Saturday. However, confusion prevailed as parents sent their wards to school on Friday morning and the school authorities sent them back home.

The situation seemed to be grim on Friday morning too as the Gurgaon police issued an advisory asking people traveling from Delhi to stay back and avoid getting stuck in traffic jams. Many vent their frustration and anger on social media sharing pictures and videos on social media. However, the police tried their best to keep the civilians updated with current situation at different areas through Twitter and other platforms.

The situation improved on Friday evening and the prohibitory orders were also lifted. Potholes appeared on roads on Saturday morning as water receded. The restoration work has begun as the flow of traffic will again go up as Monday approaches. Although the weekend is predicted to get less rain than usual, strong showers are expected by Tuesday.

Read the full article @ Indian Express

Mobile Pollution Monitoring in Kathmandu

The Department of Environment plans to introduce mobile air pollution monitoring service in the city within a month. The service would allow the public to contact their municipality or concerned office if they wish to have the air pollution level in their locality measured. The department informed that works on the project began a month ago, and the Kathmandu Metropolitan

With the works on installing three fixed air quality monitoring stations in Kathmandu and Kavrepalan chowk in full swing, the government started this project especially for places where fixed stations won’t be available.

The mobile van will monitor dust particle levels and levels of four air pollutant gases, and send the data in real time to the central server at the National Information Technology Centre, and a separate portal at the Department of Environment. The van will monitor levels of carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and ozone in the air. A dust particulate monitoring equipment has been provided by the Kathmandu Sustainable Urban Transport Project to the department. Kathmandu Metropolitan City informed that although the decision to provide the department a van was made one-and-a-half weeks ago, the department is yet to receive it.

The department is in the process of installing 56 stations throughout the country with the help of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, and the Kathmandu Sustainable Urban Transport Project. According to the Environment Performance Index- 2016 that quantifies the environmental performance of state’s policies, Nepal ranks 149 among 180 countries.

Read the full article @ the Himalayan Times

Car License Plate in Beijing = A Golden Ticket

Beijing is one of only a handful of Chinese cities that limits car license plates by official decree. The competition for a license plate in Beijing is ferocious. In the June lottery, only about one in 725 out of the 2.7 million applicants was granted a license plate, according to official data, making the system one of the most selective in the country.

As China has urbanized and the Chinese have become more affluent, owning a car has become a way of life for many middle-class citizens. Even in Beijing, a city plagued by notorious traffic gridlock, the desire for cars remains strong.

Troubled by crowded public transportation systems, the middle class has come to associate cars with the freedom to travel. The city, with a population of about 21 million, now has 5.6 million cars, more than double what it had 10 years ago.

The glut of cars is believed to cause 31 percent of the air pollution in Beijing, according to the city’s environmental watchdog. Not only are cars clogging the city’s streets, they also encroach on public spaces like sidewalks and bike lanes because of a lack of parking.

Faced with the problems brought on by the growing number of cars, city officials decided to take action. This month, Beijing’s transportation authorities said they would keep the number of cars under 6.3 million by the end of 2020 by further tightening the annual quota for license plates. The quota this year is set at 90,000, down from 120,000 a year earlier. City officials are also considering traffic congestion fees based on driving radius and number of trips.

China is the world’s largest car market. In big cities, along with a house, a car is widely seen as a must-have before marriage. So as Mr. Li’s wedding date drew near, his patience ran out: After buying the Volkswagen in April, he drove more than 620 miles to his fiancée’s home province, Jilin in northeast China, to register his car.

Read the full article @ the New York Times