Series: Climate Trends Air Quality Series

Or in Ennore, for that matter. Heavy and polluted emissions from the petrochemical, thermal and fertiliser plants in these areas of north Chennai are taking a heavy toll on health of citizens. Respiratory and skin diseases are the most common.

Rock crushing and m-sand units operating in the open and trucks ferrying gravel cause serious pollution and health risks in the Tirusulam area; yet they are also a source of livelihood for residents who often hold their peace for that reason.

Unchecked industrial pollution and unplanned construction are creating hazardous levels of dust pollution in the city, but authorities are yet to formulate guidelines for compliance with central rules on construction and demolition waste management.

A recent study has ranked Chennai second among all metros in terms of overall vehicular emissions. It also stands second in fuel consumption. Can electric vehicles provide a solution? What could be the ways to expedite the switch?

Vehicular pollution is a critical problem in Chennai and yet more than 25000 auto-rickshaws continue to ply on diesel and petrol. Why are auto drivers unwilling to switch over to LPG, despite enjoying assurance of subsidies under government policy?

Some bribe a centre and get a ‘Pollution Under Control’ certificate. Some take it easy because there’s never any checking anyway, while some are simply unaware. This, in a city that ranks second in the country in terms of polluting emissions from vehicles.

Vehicular emissions are among the chief sources of pollutants in Chennai’s air. But how many people know that they can check the environmental performance of their vehicle at the time of buying, by looking at a document that the dealer is mandated by law to provide to every customer?