The Emissions Burden of Delhi’s Vehicles

Both petrol and diesel engines come with built-in aftertreatment systems to help clean up that mess. Like, the catalytic converter, which either traps the exhaust gases or transforms them into less toxic substances. “But, of course, these components don’t last forever. Over time, catalytic converters and other aftertreatment systems wear out, depending on how you treat your car,” the senior engineer added. 

In August, Delhi’s Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa reviewed a pilot project by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to test catalytic converter-based retrofitting devices on BS-III and BS-IV heavy commercial vehicles. Officials reportedly said the devices will help reduce particulate matter, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides by “over 70 percent”. 

“Delhi still has tens of thousands of pre-BS-VI commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses that will realistically remain in operation for several more years. These older vehicles are among the dirtiest on the road, contributing disproportionately to black carbon and PM2.5 emissions. For this stock of vehicles, retrofitting could deliver quick, tangible reductions in particulate emissions, especially if paired with stricter compliance checks and targeted financial support,” Osho told The Quint. 

The Quint has reached out to Dr Nandita Moitra, senior scientist at the DPCC, with a detailed questionnaire on the implementation of these devices, as well as the regulatory body’s plan of action to target high emitters. The article will be updated as and when she responds.

The Quint has also reached out to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on its plan of action to target vehicles with high levels of emissions. Their response is awaited.

“Retrofits can work, but uncertainty over their quality makes them a risky bet without robust real-world emissions testing,” cautioned Dahiya.  

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