A study by The Real Urban Emissions (TRUE) Initiative, using remote sensing technology in Delhi and Gurugram, has revealed that real-world vehicle emissions are much higher than laboratory tests indicate. Conducted with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), the study found that CNG vehicles emit high levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx), challenging the perception of CNG as a “clean” fuel.
While BS-VI cars and buses emit significantly less NOx than their BS-IV counterparts, CNG vehicles, such as light goods vehicles and taxis, emit up to 14.2 times their NOx lab limits. This highlights the need to focus on actual emissions to improve air quality.
The Supreme Court’s recent directive to implement remote sensing technology will help measure real-time emissions and manage highly polluting vehicles. Experts are calling for a transition to zero-emission vehicles and promoting auto LPG as a cleaner alternative, which emits less CO2, NOx, and particulate matter compared to petrol and diesel, and is also cost-effective.