Explanations:Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is a cleaner alternative to diesel and petrol for transport vehicles. It is primarily composed of methane and is stored under high pressure. CNG is considered an environmentally friendly fuel because it produces fewer emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels, making it a preferred choice for reducing air pollution in urban areas.
Delhi, the capital city of India, has been a pioneer in the use of CNG for transport vehicles. The city has faced significant challenges with air pollution, and the adoption of CNG has been a key strategy to mitigate this issue. In the early 2000s, the Supreme Court of India mandated the conversion of public transport vehicles to CNG in Delhi. This decision led to a large-scale conversion of buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws to run on CNG. As a result, Delhi has one of the largest fleets of CNG-powered vehicles in the world.
The use of CNG in Delhi has had a positive impact on air quality. It has helped reduce the levels of particulate matter and other pollutants in the air, contributing to a cleaner environment. The initiative has also set a precedent for other cities in India to consider similar measures to improve air quality.
While other major cities in India, such as Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, have also introduced CNG vehicles, the scale and impact have not been as significant as in Delhi. These cities have focused on other measures to manage air pollution, such as improving public transport systems, promoting electric vehicles, and implementing stricter emission norms.
Understanding the use of CNG in transport vehicles is important for students preparing for competitive exams, as it reflects the environmental initiatives taken by different cities to address air pollution. It is also a relevant topic in the context of sustainable urban development and environmental management.