Working Paper
Impact of a low-emission zone on air pollutants: A case study of Pimpri-Chinchwad, India
Air pollution is a major challenge in India, posing a severe threat to human health and the country’s economy. Road transport is responsible for 20%–30% of urban air pollution in India. This paper evaluates the potential reduction in emissions that could be achieved by establishing a low-emission zone (LEZ)—designated areas where polluting vehicles are restricted from operating or are charged a fee to enter—in Pimpri-Chinchwad, a city of about 2 million people in the state of Maharashtra, India.
Our analysis identifies two potential options for the geographic boundaries of an LEZ in this city, a smaller and a larger one. It provides the projected reductions in emissions that could be achieved by restricting certain vehicles from an LEZ. The study finds that excluding vehicles based on their age could result in a 12%–24% reduction in emissions within the LEZ between 2026 and 2030, and excluding vehicles based on Bharat Stage emission standards could result in a 4%–11% reduction in emissions within the LEZ. This working paper also discusses a potential timeline for implementing the LEZ, along with actions that could facilitate an equitable transition to cleaner vehicles and cleaner air.
Figure. Geographic areas of a potential low-emission zone in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation
