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Magical return to clean glory

By Sujay Mehdudia

A view of the green and clean Capital, as the flying crow sees it. Photo: S. Subramanium

NEW DELHI MAY 25. Inspired by the success, and international recognition, of its CNG programme, the Delhi Government is bringing out a special booklet penned by the Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit, narrating the "CNG success story'' which has transformed this once "tunnel of smoke and smog'' into a cleaner and greener city.

Attributing this achievement to Team Delhi, the colourful and attractive booklet traces the history when catalytic converters were made mandatory in 1996 followed by low sulphur diesel and then introduction of CNG in 1998. It also refers to the era when Delhi enjoyed the dubious distinction of being one of the most polluted cities of the world, engulfed in eye- stinging smog and noxious fumes.

The booklet contains personal feedbacks from school children on the changed environment and decline in pollution levels over the past four years and more. "The initiative is a tribute to all those, including non-government organisations, children, the judiciary, transporters and expert groups, who played a big role in this transformation resulting in Delhi bagging the Clean Cities International Partner of the Year Award,'' says Ms. Dikshit.

Compared to 1997, the concentration of carbon monoxide has fallen by 32 per cent and sulphur dioxide levels have come down by 39 per cent during 2002. The concentration of other pollutants like lead and benzene have also registered a marked decline. Despite the growth in the number of vehicles, the level of nitrogen dioxide has remained more or less constant.

``Environmentalists now say they are actually witnessing the return of the city to its original glory. By 2005, the total particulate matter load from automobiles is expected to come down to a bare 2.2 per cent from the pre-2000 days of 15 per cent,'' claims Ms. Dikshit.

The booklet, which will be formally released by the Chief Minister soon, will be made available to school children and displayed at public places for the benefit of the general public.

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