Emission of GHG doubled: Survey

Mind-bogling increase in the number of automobiles, in addition to poor public transport system, doubled the emission of Green House Gases in the Garden City, a joint study by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and Enzen Global Solutions (EGS) Private Ltd said. Speaking after releasing the first ever Green House Gas Inventory of Karnataka pertaining to Bangalore city, EGS Environment Practice Head Uma Rajarathnam here today said that the estimated release of Carbon Dioxide had increased to 2.26 mt in 2005-06 against 1.01 mt in 1997. ''We have adopted both top-down and bottom-up approach as per the guidelines published by Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in preparing the survey, which would help in evolving preventive measures on the ill-effects of GHE,'' she added. Elaborating the methods adopted to conclude the quantum of GHS, she said fuel consumption data was collected from major oil distribution companies in the city. The estimated direct GHE namely Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Nitrous Oxide were in the range of 2.24 mt to 2.19 mt, she said.

Expressing concern over the hike in GHE in the city, Ms Rajarathnam cautioned that if no remedial measures were taken the emission from transport sector would be doubled in next 10 years.

Elaborating the cause of such a scenario, she informed that Karnataka had witnessed a technology boom during the last decade resulting rapid growth in population, vehicles and service industries. ''Existing infrastructure is not able to meet the growing demands,'' she pointed out.

Describing the findings of the study as an 'alarming bell' to all, including policy makers, she said the effect of GHE would be a major health hazard in the future. Stating that Particulate Matter (PM) was one of the major pollutants, she said fumes emanating from exhaust and the dust would cause various lung diseases and other respiratory problems.

Strengthening of public transport system and imposition of stringent emission compliance norms and encouragement on use of more fuel efficient vehicles would help to reduce the release of GHE in the city, she added.

Speaking on the occasion KSPCB Chairman Sharathchandra described the release of the survey was a small step in developing baseline information on emission levels and identifying major sources and sectoral contributions. The study report would be submitted to State Government to evolve a policy for monitoring and regulating GHE, he added.

-- (UNI) -- 24MS49.xml

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