LEZ Hotspots Revealed: 63% of Pimpri-Chinchwad’s Tailpipe Emissions Emanate from Just 47% of the City’s Area, Offering a Strategic Opportunity for Focused Pollution Control, says study
Pune/Pimpri Chinchwad, November 27, 2024: A new study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) reveals the transformative potential of Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in Pimpri-Chinchwad, projecting a dramatic reduction of up to 79% in particulate matter (PM) and 67% in nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 2030. These reductions reflect the urgency of implementing LEZs as part of a strategic effort to combat air pollution in one of Maharashtra’s industrial hubs.
Authored by Moorthy M. Nair, the study, conducted with support from the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) India, identifies emission hotspots and provides a clear roadmap for LEZ implementation in the city. The findings align with Maharashtra’s Electric Vehicle Policy, which envisions clean and sustainable urban environments through focused interventions.
An LEZ is an area within a city where vehicles with high emissions are either restricted or charged a fee to enter, aiming to improve air quality and reduce health impacts. By targeting the most polluting vehicles—often older diesel and petrol models—LEZs encourage the use of cleaner alternatives such as zero-emission vehicles and public transport. The ICCT study highlights LEZs as a proven strategy for cutting urban air pollution, with complementary measures like better public transport and walking infrastructure critical to their success.
The study pinpoints two zones within Pimpri-Chinchwad as primary contributors to vehicular emissions. Zone 1, encompassing 29.6 km² or 15.6% of the city’s area, contributes 27% of tailpipe emissions, while the larger Zone 2, covering 88 km² or 47.5% of the city, accounts for a staggering 63% of emissions. By enforcing vehicle restrictions and promoting cleaner mobility, the study highlights how these zones could spearhead a significant reduction in air pollution levels.
"The success of LEZs depends not only on vehicle restrictions but also on offering socially equitable mobility options that empower users to transition to cleaner, more efficient alternatives," said Moorthy M. Nair, Associate Researcher, ICCT.
Key projections include a 50% decrease in particulate matter (PM) and a 32% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) across the city by 2030 due to the adoption of Bharat Stage VI standards. With the implementation of LEZs, these reductions could be further enhanced, particularly in hotspot areas. Heavy goods vehicles emerge as the largest contributors to PM and NOx emissions, while two-wheelers dominate emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC).
“Low Emission Zones are a proven strategy for accelerating the shift to clean mobility. With over 350 LEZs operational in Europe, it’s time for Indian cities like Pimpri-Chinchwad to adopt this approach to secure cleaner air and better public health,” said
Amit Bhatt, India Managing Director, ICCT.
The study highlights the need for complementary measures such as high-frequency public transport, infrastructure for walking and cycling, and equitable incentives for replacing non-compliant vehicles with zero-emission alternatives. The roadmap suggests that planning for LEZs begin in 2024, with enforcement starting by 2026.
