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APSRTC to introduce seven Bharat II norm buses The APSRTC will be introducing seven Bharat II buses in the twin cities of Andhra Pradesh on May 30. The APSRTC introduced Euro norm buses which confirm to Bharat I standard to reduce the intensity of pollution. With the introduction of Bharat II vehicles emission of pollutants will come down further, according to an APSRTC press release.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, sp3, May 30, 2003

Emission test must for all vehicles in Udupi Regional Transport Officer (RTO) M Giridhar has said that action would be taken against the owners of vehicles moving in Udupi district of Mangalore, without having the air pollution control test certificates. In a press release, he said that the emission level of both the petrol and diesel driven vehicles, should be within the permitted limits and the vehicle owners should get their vehicles tested for emission at particular test centres.

The Canara Times, Mangalore, May 30, 2003, Page No. 1

Ethanol price row may put eco-friendly fuel on back burner The launch of a five per cent ethanol blended petrol in the Tamil Nadu state seems to be facing a roadblock again, with oil and sugar industries locking horns over the price of the molasses by-product. Though the Centre set a June 30 deadline for introduction of the eco-friendly automobile fuel mixture in the State, which also feeds Pondicherry, the oil industry was keen on launching it earlier, preferably from June 1.

The Hindu, Chennai, May 30, 2003, Page No. 5 & www.hinduonnet.com

How to halve U.S. transport emissions by 2050 By using a set of existing technologies and policies and building on them, it is possible to reduce U.S. carbon emissions from transportation 20 percent by 2015, and almost 50 percent by 2030, says a new report by the Pew Center on Global Climate Change. Noting that transportation sources account for nearly a third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, the report, released today, says it is critical that U.S. climate change policy address transportation emissions. It identifies a number of policies and technologies that could achieve those goals.

Environment News Service, US, May 29, 2003

NY plan to cut air pollution is stalled It sounded so easy. The New York Power Authority offered to equip about 1000 diesel school buses in New York city with pollution controls, at no cost to the city or the bus owners, allowing tens of thousands of children to inhale cleaner air on their daily rides.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, May 26, 2003, Page No. 7

Magical return to clean glory 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.

The Hindu, New Delhi, May 26, 2003, Page No. 1 & www.hinduonnet.com

State to permit sugar mills with distilleries to produce ethanol The State Cabinet on Thursday decided to permit cooperative andprivate sugar mills having their own distilleries to produce ethanol for mixing in petrol and its use as vehicular fuel. However, while taking the decision, the government has put a rider that when the State shall face shortage of sugar the sugar producing mills shall produce the commodity.This was disclosed to newsmen after the weekly cabinet meeting by Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde.

The Free Press Journal, Mumbai, May 23, 2003, Page No. 9

Centre playing with health of Delhiites Unmindful of the damage being caused to the quality of air and the health of people by vehicular pollution in the Capital, the Union Ministry for Road Transport and Highways continues to sit over the Delhi Government`s request to effect changes in the maintenance and inspection of pollution control norms for in-use vehicles by making them more stringent with advanced test procedures.

The Hindu, New Delhi, May 21, 2003, Page No. 4 & www.hinduonnet.com

Toyota to recall fuel cell cars due to tank glitch In a setback to advancing fuel-cell vehicle (FCV) technology, Toyota Motor Corp said it would recall all six of its hydrogen-powered vehicles after it found a leak in the fuel tank of one of the cars. Japan`s top car manufacturer had begun leasing the million-dollar-plus cars to four Japanese government ministries and two California university campuses last December, becoming the world`s first automaker, along with rival Honda Motor Co, to market the environmentally friendly vehicles. Toyota, the world`s third-biggest automaker, said the leak occurred in the vehicle leased to Japan`s Environment Ministry while the high-pressure hydrogen tank was being refilled.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, May 21, 2003

Three dozen battery-run buses rusting in depot About three dozen battery run buses, worth crores of rupees, parked for more than a decade at the bus depot of Delhi Energy Development Authority at School Block near Shakarpur area of East Delhi, have been reduced to junk, thanks to the apathy of the Delhi Transport Department.

The Tribune, New Delhi, sp1, May 21, 2003

Uttaranchal offers Rs 80,000 subsidy on electric van The Uttaranchal government is offering a subsidy of Rs 80,000 on the sale of each "Bijlee" vehicle, a zero emission electric transit van being manufactured by automobile major Mahindra and Mahindra. The government`s decision to offer subsidy is aimed at replacing Vikrams, being manufactured by Scooters India Ltd, which are the key mode of transport in the state capital.

Business Standard, New Delhi, May 20, 2003, Page No. 4

Focus on use of biofuels Union Agriculture Minister Ajit Singh advocated decentralisation of production and use of biofuels in the country. In Indian conditions, a programme for promotion of bio-fuels will succeed only if their production and use can be decentralised, Mr Singh said while inaugurating a two day International Conference on Biofuels in New Delhi.

The Hindu, New Delhi, May 20, 2003, Page No. 4 & www.hinduonnet.com

Traffic cops out to check pollution The Ahmedabad Traffic Police (ATP) has taken up a project to map the levels of acoustic trauma that Amdavadis suffer due to high density of vehicular population. Officials of the ATP have tied up with the National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH) to conduct a  survey at all busy cross-roads of the city. ATP has also decided to rope in an ENT specialist from the Civil Hospital to help them in the drive.The survey would have three target groups - traffic, policemen posted at busy traffic junctions, shopkeepers who conduct business alongside thoroughfares and people who check private vehicles for pollutin and issue Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, May 18, 2003, Page No. 5

Delhi CNG model going places The success story of Delhi in implementing an eco-friendly fuel in its public transport system will now be repeated in Iran. India will help Iran in developing a CNG-based environment-friendly transport system for its cities. Delhi`s CNG model has become an international bestseller now, India has entered into an agreement with Iran in which it has promised technical knowhow to develop an environment-friendly CNG-based transport system for the cities.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, May 18, 2003, Page No. 9

Biodiesel for Railways The Indian Railways is experimenting with the new eco-friendly `biodiesel` fuel to run passenger trains. The first successful trial run of a superfast passenger train was conducted on 31 December, 2002 when Delhi-Amritsar Shatabdi Express used five per cent of `biodiesel` as fuel.

Sahara Time, New Delhi, May 17, 2003, Page No. 17

No smoke in this fire A two-day international conference on biofuels will commence in New Delhi on May 19 to deliberate on environment-friendly and economically viable alternatives to fossil fuels. The conference, to be inaugurated by Union Agriculture Minister Ajit Singh, will bring together al stakeholders in the biofuel sector and a number of foreign scientists. The conference aims to focus on the progress, policies and prospects related to capacity building for blending ethanol with petrol and diesel.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, May 16, 2003, Page No. 11

India and US to sign deal on tech for hydrogen fuel George W Bush has a roadmap for ''hydrogen economy'' and India will take its first step towards becoming a willing partner towards realising it. In the next few days, the Government will sign an agreement with the US on 18 areas of cooperation dealing with cleaner and more efficient ways of using electricity and water. Hydrogen is one of the most important areas of cooperation to improve the world's climate and is seen as the most concrete of the 18 proposals at this stage. Bush's vision of the International Partnership is that consumers in participating countries will have a practical option of purchasing a competitively priced hydrogen-power vehicle, and be able to refuel it near their homes and places of work by 2020.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, May 16, 2003, Page No. 1

Eco-friendly battery-operated moped Good news for environmental lovers and for those who find petrol too expensive to maintain two-wheelers. A Bangalorean, B S Syed Sajjad Ahmed, has developed a unique `Battery Operated Moped` which can run upto a speed of 50 kms per hour and can cover a distance of 40 to 50 kms once fully charged.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, May 15, 2003, Page No. 2

Walled city will get battery-run vans soon The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) will run battery-operated vans in the Walled City to offer a pollution-free answer to chaotic commuting in the area. 'Four battery-operated vans would be run on a trial basis. Depending on the results of this experiment, the service may be extended to other parts too' Union minister of state for parliamentary affairs Vijay Goel said.

The Times of India, New Delhi, May 13, 2003, Page No. 3

US gov`t seeks $150 mln in hydrogen car projects The U.S. Energy Department asked for industry proposals for $150 million in demonstration projects to spur the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles and the service stations and other infrastructure needed to support them. The projects mark the first step in carrying out the Bush administration`s plan to have hydrogen cars on the highway within two decades to help reduce U.S. foreign oil imports. "This solicitation is an important step toward fulfilling the president`s vision that the first car of a child born today will be powered by hydrogen," said Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, May 12, 2003

Hydro-fuelled 2-wheeler India has developed its first hydrogen-fuelled two wheeler and generator set. The testing phase of five motorcycles developed by Banaras Hindu University has been completed successfully. The ministry of non-conventional energy, which funded motorcycles that will be tested in various cities, said the senior advisor to the non-conventional energy ministry, Mr S K Chopra.

The Statesman, New Delhi, May 11, 2003, Page No. 13

Ethanol-mixed petrol may be a tall order Taking the "mix-ethanol-with-petrol-and-drive-away-with-low-carbon-dioxide-emissions" campaign, mounted and spearheaded by the Union Petroleum Minister, Mr Ram Naik, to its logical conclusion would necessitate infrastructure investments up to an estimated Rs 4,000 crore. According to prognostications by Dr Kochu Baby Manjooran, Senior Quality Control Officer with Kochi Refineries, most States lack the infrastructure to produce anhydrous ethanol. "Getting the required infrastructure in place for this would alone require investments up to Rs 600 crore.

Business Line, New Delhi, May 11, 2003, Page No. 5

Green Tax Bill on old vehicles introduced in Assembly A Bill to amend the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles Act to enable the levy of a separate `Green Tax` on all classes of old motor vehicles was introduced by Transport Minister R Vishwanathan in the Assembly. The tax would be levied on old vehicles as a measure to "control air pollution". The Bill also sought to give effect to the government`s decision to revise the Motor Vehicle Tax payable in respect of maxi cab, educational institution buses and private service vehicles.

The New Indian Express, Chennai, May 10, 2003, Page No. 3

Clean fuel scheme stumbles again The Dhaka Clean Fuel project stumbles again as the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) refuses to buy 200 CNG buses under this scheme at a high interest rate. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has offered the government a loan at 1.5 per cent interest to purchase 200 CNG buses for the BRTC but the rate spirals up to 12 per cent due to the absurd internal rerouting of funds, sources said. The rerouting maze starts with the government providing the fund to the Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Company Ltd. (RPGCL) at 4.5 per cent interest. Taking its share of 8 per cent interest, the RPGCL then gives it to the state-owned BRTC through Janata Bank.

The Daily Star (Internet), Dhaka, May 10, 2003

Bill on green tax for old vehicles introduced A Bill to revise motor vehicle tax for maxi-cabs, school and college buses and private service vehicles, to impose a new green tax on old motor vehicles and to levy a six per cent lifetime tax on certain four wheelers was among the Bills introduced in the Assembly. The Bill also provides for an increase in the tax per seat on vehicles used by educational institutions.

The Hindu, Chennai, May 10, 2003, Page No. 4 & www.hinduonnet.com

Pollution control certificate mandatory all over Tamil Nadu The pollution under control certificate will soon be made mandatory for all vehicles plying in the entire Tamil Nadu state. As of now, the certificate is mandatory only for vehicles operating in five districts including Chennai, Kancheepuram and the Nilgiris. However, the Government would issue an order extending it to whole of Tamil Nadu, the Transport Minister, R. Viswanathan, informed the Assembly.

The Hindu, Chennai, May 09, 2003, Page No. 4 & www.hinduonnet.com

No restriction on filling CNG: SC The Supreme Court asked Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) to give a public notice within a day or two announcing that there was no restriction on vehicles filling their gas tanks. Though IGL had denied the allegation made by Delhi government’s counsel Wasim Quadri that IGL had issued unwritten instructions not to give vehicles more than a certain quantity of CNG, the court asked it to ensure adequate supply of fuel to autorickshaws and buses in the city.

The Times of India, New Delhi,  May 09, 2003 Page No.2

SC asks for govts’ views on hike in CNG price Seeking to resolve the controversy over alleged manipulated price hike of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), the Supreme Court asked the Petroleum Ministry and the Delhi government to file their responses on affidavits of Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) defending the hike. A bench comprising Chief Justice V.N. Khare, Justice Y.K. Sabharwal and Justice Arijit Pasayat sought the responses when amicus curiae Harish Salve charged IGL, the sole distributor of CNG in Capital, of playing with figures to justify the hike of price from Rs 13.11 per kg to Rs 16.83 per kg.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, May 09, 2003 3supp,

Govt plans to overcome CNG crisis shortly As CNG crisis continues to persist in the city, the Energy Ministry says launching of huge number of CNG three-wheelers at a time is the main reason for it. Huge number of CNG autorickshaws were launched in short period of time without considering whether there are enough refilling stations to feed, a senior official of the ministry said.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, May 07, 2003, Page No. 16

Lucknow soon to get CNG supply CNG will be available to vehicle owners in Uttar Pradesh state capital Lucknow soon. GAIL will complete the task of laying underground pipelines within four months and the mother station for CNG will be established on the Scooter`s India premises at Sarojinagar.

The Pioneer, Lucknow, May 07, 2003 1supp

Campaign slams U.S. automakers for gas guzzlers Environmentalists turned up the heat on U.S. automakers today for stalling on fuel economy and contributing to the nation`s dependence on foreign oil. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Detroit Project say U.S. automakers and their political allies are determined to fight off any fuel economy increases, even though the technology exists to raise the fuel efficiency of cars and sport utility vehicles to 40 miles per gallon (mpg).

Environment News Service, US, May 07, 2003

BP says taking cautious steps towards hydrogen fuel BP Plc (BP.L), the world`s third-largest oil firm, is taking a cautious approach to investing in hydrogen as a fuel, Vice President John Mogford said this week as the firm launched the world`s first commercial hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus. Mogford, who heads research in renewable energy, said BP spends some $12 million a year on pilot projects and much more than that on intellectual capital. "We have to work on it in partnership," Mogford told Reuters in an interview after the world`s first commercial hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus was launched in Madrid, part of a project to bring 30 such buses to 10 European cities.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, May 07, 2003

Khurana plays down award Making light of the `Clean City Award` for which Delhi has been chosen recently, city BJP claimed it was not any environmental certificate by the US government but by an association of industrialists having business interest in the national Capital. "The award is being given by an organisation of manufacturers of Alternate Fuel Vehicles. This body deals in CNG vehicles and has chosen Delhi for the award as it found the maximum sale of CNG vehicles," city BJP president Madan Lal Khurana told reporters.

The Hindu, New Delhi, May 07, 2003, Page No. 3 & www.hinduonnet.com

U.S. autos fuel efficiency at 22-year low The average fuel economy of cars and trucks in the United States fell to its lowest level in 22 years in the 2002 model year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The technological and engineering leaps of the past two decades have been poured into everything but fuel economy, the agency's statistics made clear.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, May 05, 2003, Page No. 10

Clean City award for Capital hailed The Indraprastha Gas Limited, the sole supplier of compressed natural gas in Delhi, lauded the selection of Delhi for the "Clean City International Award" by the Department of Energy of the Government of United States. The Managing Director of IGL, A.K. De, said Delhi`s selection for this prestigous award is very encouraging as it is an acknowledgement of the hard work that has gone into in the conversion of the complete public transportation system on CNG mode.

The Hindu, New Delhi, May 04, 2003, Page No. 4 & www.hinduonnet.com

CNG price hike predatory: Salve Harish Salve, who has been appointed by the Supreme Court to assist it in the compressed natural gas (CNG) case, submitted that he was preparing an inter-sectorial priority list for the distribution of the gas. He said this when Essar, Reliance and other industries complained that their CNG quotas had been slashed because of the court order to provide gas to the transport sector in the capital on a priority basis.

Business Standard, New Delhi, May 09, 2003 No. 4

MC sticks to `antique` machines The Amritsar Municipal Corporation, Punjab sanitation machinery including tractors, trucks and loaders, though outlived its utility years ago, but is still plying on roads, causing pollution. The machinery comprising around 51 tractors and 14 trucks and loaders ought to have been condemned long ago and replaced by new ones, but this has not been condemned long ago and replaced by new ones, but this has not been done.

The Indian Express, Chandigarh, May 02, 2003, Page No. 4

Let the polluter pay Rajah Chelliah, the renowned tax expert, has recommended the adoption of a differential excise duty structure for automobiles so that more polluting vehicles attract a higher excise duty. Chelliah suggests that these vehicles pay higher annual emission charge as well. The report, commissioned by the ministry, also advocates a 'resource tax' to be leived based on the fuel efficiency of vehicles. These are excellent proposals and a distinct improvement over the current approach to tackling vehicular pollution. Thus far, absolute bans - like the one imposed on non CNG public transport vehicles in Delhi - have been preferred route. (Editorial)

The Economic Times, New Delhi, May 02, 2003, Page No. 8

Britain hopes onto a 'green' rickshaw The British capital may have just got aboard the greenest ride of them all- the sleek, high-tech rickshaw, which is advertising its muscle-powered, point-to-point cruises in high-pedestrian areas as London's newest, coolest and most eco-friendly on the planet. And the like clichéd coals to New castle, the Metrobike's original, six year old Teutonic 'avataar, the Velotaxi, may be heading straight for Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkota too in 2005, its German creator Lugar Matusewskei has said.

The Times of India, New Delhi, May 02, 2003, Page No. 1

Loose oil flows in twin cities To check the ever increasing vehicular pollution, sale of loose lubricant oil has been banned in the twin cities of Andhra Pradesh since January 2001. But the sale continues in the twin cities catering to the increasing number of vehicles thanks to the prevailing confusion as to who is the inspection authority. Though the Lubricant Control Order specifies that the licensing authority for lubricants is the Commissioner Civil Supplies, it fails to clarify the name of the inspection authority.

Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabad, May 01, 2003, Page No. 4

Hydrogen car no environmental panacea Even with aggressive research, the hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle will not be better than the diesel hybrid in terms of total energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, says a study recently released by MIT`s Laboratory for Energy and the Environment.

The Hindu, New Delhi, May 01, 2003, Page No. 16 & www.hinduonnet.com

Green bus turns white elephant after trial run In 1991, South 24 Parganas got a green gift from the science and technology department a pollution free bus that was driving by battery. Twelve years down the line, it is gathering outside the bungalow of the district magistrate at Alipore, West Bengal. It has been there for the past 12 years, after a few trial runs on Sagar Island. Residents were awe struck when they first saw the bus. It was difficult to believe that it could run minus petrol or diesel and without billowing the thick plumes of smoke that the islanders were so familiar with.

The Telegraph, Calcutta, April 30, 2003, Page No. 9

Vehicle inspection unit for South Delhi soon The Delhi government will set up an Inspection and Maintenance Unit at Okhla, for vehicles. The second of its kind, the unit will share some load in catering to vehicles from the centre at Burrari, Transport department officials said. ''The Okhla unit will be constructed by the Delhi Transport Corporation and will have a state-of-the-art workshop to mend minor problems in vehicles that come for inspection,'' said Transport Minister Ajay Maken. The unit will be set up with the help of the Centre for Science and Environment, Maken said. The unit will not only check the mechanical fitness of the vehicles, but will also check their emission levels and give them PUC certificates, officials said.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 4supp, April 30, 2003

CNG crisis to be over by June: Mosharraf Bangladesh Minster of Energy and Mineral Resources AKM Mosharraf Hosain has said the number of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refueling station in Dhaka city will be 30 with in the month of June next. He hoped that there will be no crisis of refueling CNG's in coming days.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, April 29, 2003, Page No. 16

California pulls plug on battery electric vehicles California officially pulled the plug on electric vehicles, opting instead to rely on gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles and ultra-clean gasoline powered vehicles to meet clean air standards. However, in a bow to advocates of zero emission vehicles and renewable energy, the state also held out the distant flicker of hope that hydrogen powered fuel cell cars might enter the early phases of commercialization within a decade.

Environment News Service, US, April 28, 2003

'Adulteration cases less in the East' The number of fuel adulteration cases in the eastern region, including West Bengal is much compared to other regions in the country, director general of anti-adulteration cell under the Union petroleum ministry G Prasana Kumar said last week.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, April 28, 2003, Page No. 10

Diesel cars must pay higher excise: Chelliah report Diesel cars have always had an edge over petrol ones, but may not for long. The government is studying a report authored by noted tax expert and economist Raja Chelliah which suggests a higher excise duty on diesel passenger vehicles to neutralize their price advantage. The report 'A proposal to levy taxes on polluting inputs and outputs and pollution charges on certain mentionable emissions' commissioned by the ministry of environment and forests, says mainly that polluters must pay more.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, April 28, 2003, Page No. 1

U.S. Energy secretary announces new fuel cell projects U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham has announced new research projects to develop hydrogen -powered fuel cells that would be so inexpensive they could provide auxiliary power for large trucks or generate clean electricity during the next decade. According to an April 23 press release, Abraham announced the selection of research tems headed by FuelCell Energy of Danbury, Connecticut and Acumentrics Corporation of Westwood, Massachusetts to join the Department of Energy's (DOE) Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA) program.

USIS Official Text, New Delhi, April 25, 2003

Cylinder blast shakes CNG sector Bangladesh's booming CNG sector that still goes through problems experienced the first explosion in a vehicle, sending alarm that there is no monitoring to avoid the risk factors and safety standards.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, April 25, 2003, Page No. 1

Regulations cut U.S. carbon monoxide emissions The U.S. regulation of carbon monoxide is "one of the great success stories in air pollution control," an independent panel of scientists reported this week. According to the National Academy of Sciences committee, tighter vehicle emissions standards and federal air quality standards have combined to dramatically lower levels of the colorless, odorless but potentially deadly gas across much of the United States. The panel found that there are a few areas in the Western United States still susceptible to accumulating high levels of the pollutant, but said there is no need to further tighten federal carbon monoxide (CO) emissions standards on motor vehicles.

Environment News Service, US,  April 25, 2003

HC refuses to waive daily fine on old vehicles The Bombay high court blasted the transporters for holding the city to ranson for four weeks and refused to entertain their plea that the Rs – 500per day fine be waived for the days their vehicles were not plying. A division bench of Chief Justice C.K. Thakker and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud came down heavily on the heavy vehicle owners who went on strike to protest the court’s March 31 order on phasing out of 15-year old commercial vehicles.

The Times of India, Mumbai, 3, April 25, 2003

CSE points to ban on old vehicles The Union Ministry of road transport and highways has yielded to truckers on the issue of phasing out of vehicles more than 15 years old in contravention of the proposed Bombay High Court ban on such vehicles, an environmental research body has said. "The striking truckers had demanded a waiver on the proposed Bombay High Court ban on 15-year-old commercial vehicles in the city. The ministry has helped the truckers find a way around the ban," the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said in a statement in New Delhi. According to the CSE, the Centre`s position is in defiance of a recent Bombay High Court order and a July 28, 1998 Supreme Court ruling, both of which had fixed the age of commercial vehicles at 15 years to control air pollution.

Business Standard, New Delhi, April  25, 2003 Page 3

Double-deckers will solve pollution problem: Expert Dr S Nagabhusan Rao, director of Engineering Staff College of India urged the government to reintroduce double deckers in the Hyderabad city, Andhra Pradesh to minimise transportation problems. Giving the 13th Koka Krishna Mohan Rao endowment lecture on `Public Transportation of Hyderabad-Problem and Solutions`, he said that double deckers and trolley buses would ensure smooth traffic with less amount of pollution as they can accomodate a large number of commuters.

The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, sp3, April 24, 2003

Biogas, diesel engine comes to ryot`s rescue: Those who visit Mr Mallikarjun Arali`s 14 acres of green agricultural land at Hiremaganur village in Ranebennur taluk of Karnataka, would be happy to see improvement in agriculture sector and on how the duel fuel engine can be run successfully by using 80% of biogas and 20% of diesel by using catalytic convertor in the diesel engine. The development of agriculture depends mainly on the introduction of the New Agricultural Technology (NHT) which includes introduction of high yielding varieties of seeds, new forms of equipment, better irrigation facilities, pesticides and other factors.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, 4, April 24, 2003

Take test in Burari, govt. will not fail you The Delhi government`s vehicle inspection unit at Burari is the beginner`s school for the not-so-fine art of PUC manipulation. Every trick in the book that is employed elsewhere in Delhi to fudge results on a PUC test are known and practiced here. It also tells a story of how things could have been different, better, more efficient. Officially, 10% of the vehicles fail to clear the test but sources said the figure could be as low as five.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 3supp, April 24, 2003

US group gives cleanest chit to CNG Delhi Delhi is the cleanest, according to the US Department of Energy. The National Capital is being awarded the first ever Clean Cities International Partner of the Year Award. The recognition is being given by the US Administration in association with the US Clean Cities Coalition to recognise work done by the city to "bring to fruition a multi-stakeholder, progressive and succesful CNG transport programme", a statement from the organisers said. Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit will receive the award on behalf of the people of Delhi next month.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 1supp, April 24, 2003

Cleaner substitute for diesel? A nut oil widely used in cosmetics and shampoos could one day be powering cars and trucks. Scientists have found that jojoba-fuelled engines performed just as well as diesels. They also produced fewer pollutants, and ran more quietly and for longer. Jojoba is a desert shrub that can reach up to 4.5 metres high and typically lives more than 150 years, producing nuts that yield half their volume in oil. Engineers believe it has potential as a motor fuel because it releases a lot of energy when it burns, and is chemically stable at high temperatures and pressures, "New Scientist" magazine reported.

The Hindu, New Delhi, April 24, 2003, Page No. 14 & www.hinduonnet.com

Delhi bags US award for clean city Adding a new feather to the cap of the Congress-led Government in Delhi, the U.S. Department of Energy has conferred the "Clean Cities International Award" for progressive and successful implementation of the CNG transport programme in the Capital to the Sheila Dikshit Government. The Chief minister, Shieila Dikshit, would receive the award on behalf of Delhiites at a ceremony in California on May 21.

The Hindu, New Delhi, April 24, 2003, Page No. 1 & www.hinduonnet.com

CNG autorickshaw service in disarray Low pressure of gas, inadequate number of filling stations and use of re-conditioned compressor machine in CNG filling stations in Dhaka city have thrown the CNG autorickshaw service in disarray. But solution is unlikely, as new investors prefer to go slow in the context of less profit after a sharp rise in the price of CNG.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, April 23, 2003, Page No. 1

Why even a chimney would pass PUC test Strict enforcement of pollution under control tests-fines and photographs of number plates-will make little difference in reducing pollution in Delhi. The emission norms for in-use vehicles have not been reviewed since 1992. (In-use vehicles are those that have been on roads for at least three months and need to get a PUC done regularly). From all that he has said, the Union Road Transport Minister B.C. Khanduri doesn't think that new models need stricter emission standards. This means that though Delhi has more better technology cars, it's bogged down by obsolete standards.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 3supp, April 23, 2003

Cycle for a clean, green city: `Car Free Day` in Bangalore is not an attempt at tokenism to take the cars off our streets. It is an attempt to break ourselves from the pattern. Styled on the lines of International Car Free Day. It is aimed at inculcating and encouraging people to think about the impact of their transporation choices and how a cleaner, more effective forms of transport can enhance our quality of life.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore,  April 23, 2003 Page 2

Accidents up, pollution down with no lorries: Contrary to public perception, the number of accidents on Bangalore roads have increased since truckers decided to take their vehicles off roads. Thankfully though, vehicular pollution in the city seems to be slightly less now without all those smoke-spewing lorries. According to statistics available with the Bangalore traffic police, 171 persons were injured and 13 killed during the week ending April 19 -- the truckers’ strike started on April 14.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, 1supp, April 23, 2003

PUC check: 43 motorists pay the fine: The Transport Department’s enforcement drive against motorists not carrying the new computerised Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates bearing photograph of the registration number began today. A.S. Kaushik, in-charge of Complaint Cell (Transport), said: ‘‘Of the 684 vehicles checked, owners of 43 vehicles were fined for not carrying the certificates.’’ There are 22 enforcement teams of the Transport Department in the field, consisting of five to six officials each. Drivers not possessing the PUC certificates will be prosecuted under Section 190 (2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. They will have to pay a fine of Rs 1,000.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 3supp, April 22, 2003

EU readies first ideas on hydrogen fuel dream: The European Union`s dream of weaning people off dependency on oil and getting them hooked on hydrogen-fuelled transport may be closer to reality but critics say it disguises an emphasis on coal and nuclear power. European car and energy firms have joined forces in a group founded by the European Commission to keep the EU`s hydrogen firms on track with rivals in Japan and the United States.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, April 22, 2003

A paler shade of 'green' in Japan As Ford Motor Co. last week scaled back expectations for its first hybrid-powered vehicle and backpedaled on the pledge to improve the fuel economy of its sport-utility vehicles, Toyota Motor Corp. was introducing its latest Prius, which it has said it will get about 55 miles to the gallon and be the first midsize vehicle with hybrid technology. For environmentalists in America, the contrasting developments reinforced a feeling that only the foreign-based carmakers care about curbing the swelling U.S. appetite for oil.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, April 21, 2003, Page No. 10

Strike brings some respite too Though the transporters' strike has sent prices of necessary commodities in an upward spiral, forcing many housewives into redoing their home budgets, there is a positive to it. The stir has also brought along a blessing by way of low pollution levels on Delhi's roads. The All India Motor Transport Congress-led truckers' strike which began on 14 April has brought along suspended particulate matter (SPM) and the respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) and has also affected the ration of noxious gases in the Capital's environment.

The Statesman, New Delhi, April 21, 2003, Page No. 3

Pollution under certified control from today With the long holiday break of government officers out of the way, the Delhi transport department will begin its drive to challan vehicles operating on the Capital's roads without the new computerized 'pollution under control' certificate from Monday (21st April).

The Statesman, New Delhi, April 21, 2003, Page NO. 2

Only battery powered vikrams to ply in Doon Only battery powered Vikrams will be allowed to ply on the streets of Doon once the term of the permits of the present three-wheelers has expired. According to Transport Department sources, the licences of these Vikrams will not be renewed. It has also been decided to grant a subsidy of Rs 80,000 to those seeking to operate battery operated Vikrams. These vehicles cost approximately Rs 4 lakhs. It is expected that this step would go a long way towards addressing the serious problem of vehicular pollution in Dehradun city of Uttaranchal.

Garhwal Post, Dehradun, April 20, 2003, Page No. 2

IISC develops less polluting three-wheeler Technologists of Indian Institute of Science (IISC) and a Swiss government funded agency have developed a 'low pollution hybrid electric three-wheeler' that they said runs at economy of Re 1 per km. IISC's Centre for Electronic Design and Technology (CEDT) and ARCE CH(Biel School of Engineering and Dasag Energy Ltd) of Switzerland have built a test platform of the three wheeler in three years.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, April 20, 2003, Page No. 4

CNG station owners to go on partial strike: All Pakistan Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Association will observe partial strike against the working of illegal CNG workshops in the twin cities. A declaration issued by the association said the strike, which would continue from midnight on Sunday (20th April) had no political motive. All CNG stations will remain closed during the strike. "Ours is one point demand from the government to close down all unauthorized CNG workshops using substandard and locally manufactured gas cylinders," the declaration said.

Dawn (Internet), Pakistan, April 20, 2003

CNG for Kolkata in 6 months State-owned gas utility Gail India is in an advanced stage of talks with the Bengal government for taking over the ailing Greater Calcutta Gas Company and hopes to start city gas service, including for the automotive sector, in six months. 'We will start due diligence within a week and the rest fo the takeover formalities will take about three months', Gail chairman Proshanto Banerjee said.

The Times of India, New Delhi, April 19, 2003, Page No. 8

Ford to miss 2005 deadline for SUV fuel efficiency target Ford Motor Co. said it would miss its 2005 deadline for improving the fuel economy of its sport utility vehicles by 25 per cent - a high profile goal set by the world's second largest automaker to much acclaim three years ago. Phil Martnes, Ford's vice president of product creation for North America, said Ford had decided to delay its SUV fuel economy improvements in favor of trying to reach a 20 per cent to 30 per cent improvement in favor of trying to reach a 20 per cent to 30 per cent improvement in average fuel economy across all the vehicles it sells in North America by the end of the decade.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, April 19, 2003, Page No. 5

Toyota hopes to widen lead in hybrid vehicles Toyota Motor Corp., the first automaker to sell cars powered by a mix of gasoline and electricity, has unveiled a larger, faster Prius hybrid, hoping to widen its lead in the market for more fuel-efficient vehicles.

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, B2, April 18, 2003

Toyota unveils gasoline-electric hybrid sedan Toyota Motor Corp., unveiled a new, juiced up gasoline-electric hybrid sedan, showing off its clean and fuel efficient technology that is gradually winning acceptance all over the world.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, April 18, 2003, Page No. 7

UK fuel cell industry gaining momentum The UK fuel cell industry is growing rapidly and will continue to gain momentum with proper support from government and industry, says a new report. But globally the UK's position is weak, with only a handful of patents and commercialized systems generated from UK research. Around 850 people are currently employed in the UK fuel cell industry and in research, according to a survey by Fuel Cell Today. The top ten organizations include Accentus, Eneco, Imperial College, Intelligent Energy, Johnson Matthey, Morgan Fuel Cell and Rolls-Royce.

Edie (Internet), UK, April 17, 2003

Gas firms allowed to lay pipes The BMC has allowed Mahanagar Gas Limited to lay pipelines to construct eight compressed natural gas (CNG) stations in Mumbai as directed by the Bombay high court. MGL has also been permitted to carry out digging work for repairing its existing pipelines. This decision was taken at a high level meeting between chief minister Sushilkumkar Shinde, municipal commissioner Karun Srivatava, Union petroleum minister Ram Naik and MGL officials.

The Times of India, Mumbai, April 17, 2003, Page No. 3

PUC deadline ends, no drive launched On the first day after the pollution under control certificates (PUCC) deadline expired, Delhi state transport commissioner Sindhushree Khullar said it was a regular day at work. ''No drive is on as of now,'' she said. According to Khullar, the enforcement department teams were on the roads, but there was no stress on prosecution.

The Times of India, New Delhi, April 17, 2003, Page No. 3

Ballard CEO sees hydrogen cars commercial by 2013 Vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells could be competitive with conventional combustion engine powered cars within 10 years, the CEO of fuel cell developer Ballard Power Systems Inc. (BLD.TO) (BLDP.O) said. At the moment, cars powered by fuel cells are almost entirely crafted by hand and come with sky-high price tags of up to $2 million each. But Ballard President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Campbell said soon the price will drop.

Planet Ark (Reuters), Australia, April 17, 2003

EPA to cut air pollution from off-road diesel vehicles The Bush administration said it would propose rules to cut harmful air emissions by some 90 percent by 2010 from diesel-powered vehicles like tractors, bulldozers and other off-road vehicles. The Environmental Protection Agency will require fuel refiners to produce cleaner diesel, and will order manufacturers to build engines that strip out more harmful particles in emissions linked to asthma and other serious respiratory ailments. The agency said in a statement that its proposal, to be unveiled by EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman later this week, will "achieve enormous air quality improvements throughout the country."

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, April 17, 2003

Australian car sector sets target to cut fuel use Australia`s car industry unveiled plans this week to reduce fuel consumption of new passenger cars by about 18 percent by 2010 to help cut emissions of carbon dioxide blamed for global warming. The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries said a voluntary code of practice set a target to cut the amount of fuel used by new cars to 6.8 litres per 100 km (68 miles) by 2010 from the 2001 level of 8.28 litres. "To achieve the new target, we will need to introduce sophisticated new engine and fuel system technologies to many of the vehicles sold in Australia," the chamber`s chief executive Peter Sturrock said in a statement.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, April 17, 2003

CNG pipeline: Maharashtra Govt-MGL stand-off ends The prolonged stand off between the Maharashtra Government and the Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) over the lying of new CNG pipelines in Mumbai ended on Wednesday, with the State Government agreeing to vacate the stay on digging of city roads and assuring the Petroleum Ministry that it would grant permission for resumption of suspended pipeline lying work in the city. Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde assureds Petroleum Minister Ram Naik, when the latter held a discussion with Mr Shinde on various issues relating to his ministry.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, April 17, 2003, Page No. 4

TMT to convert fleet to CNG Thane Municipal Transport (TMT), a transport wing of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), has decided to convert its 264 diesel-run buses into Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) - run buses on a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis at an estimated cost of Rs 6 crore.

The Free Press Journal, Mumbai, April 16, 2003, Page No. 9

PUC: Delhi`ites breathe easy this time Long queues of vehicles were missing at pollution checking centres in different parts of the Capital, despite this being the last day for vehicle owners to secure a computerised pollution under control (PUC) certificate. The late night rush was, however, reported at some PUC centres in the Capital. From April 16, the Delhi transport department is slated to launch a drive to challan vehicles moving on city roads without valid PUC certificate with a photograph of the registration plate.

The Statesman, New Delhi, April 16, 2003, Page No. 3

Last day to get pollution certificate Petrol pumps throughout Delhi are gearing up to meet the last-minute rush -the last day for motorists to get their pollution under control (PUC) certificates. The Delhi state transport department will start prosecuting motorists driving without PUCs from Wednesday (16th April).

The Times of India, New Delhi, April 15, 2003, Page No. 5

Naik blames State government for unused ethanol Blaming the State government for the unused ethanol in the sufar factories, Union Petroleum Minister Ram Naik on Sunday said `criminal delay` in issuing transport permits by the state excise department was responsible for the woes of the sugar factories.

The Free Press Journal, Mumbai, April 14, 2003, Page No. 11

Agra, A'bad B'lore get Euro-II oil Euro-II emission norm-compliant petrol and diesel have been introduced in Banglore, Ahmedabad, Agra, Pune, Kanpur and Surat, oil minister Ram Naik said, adding improved quality of oil containing ultra low sulphar and benezene content, were till now available only in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad/Secunderabad.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, April 12, 2003, Page No. 3

Plan to upgrade Burari vehicle inspection centre Upgradation of the Burari centre for commercial vehicles and a phase-in-plan for centralised inspection system commensurate with the test procedures and norms for all categories of vehicles have been recommended by the Centre for Science and Environment in their report on motor vehicle inspection submitted to the Delhi Government. The report, based on recommendations by two leading foreign pollution experts, Lennar Erlandsson of Sweden and Michael P. Walsh of USA, has called for improvement in the present system and the introduction of a new enhanced system for vehicle inspection in Delhi.

The Hindu, New Delhi, April 12, 2003, Page No. 4 & www.hinduonnet.com

Gujarat all set to cruise along CNG highway Gujarat is taking a chapter out of Delhi's clean-up act and improving it to ensure that motorists running their cars on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) are free to cruise along highways without switching to petrol or diesel. Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Ltd (GSPCL)- the only oil company in the country promoted by a state government - has planned to set up a chain of 246 CNG filling stations along the highways between Hazira and Mehsana by the end of next year.

The Times of India, New Delhi, April 12, 2003, Page No. 7

Pollution testing centres to be checked for violation of rules A thorough checking of all the 53 authorised pollution testing centres issuing Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates will be conducted by the Directorate of Transport, and appropriate action, including cancellation of authorisation will be taken against those found violating the conditions of the licence even as KTC has been authorised by the government to issue PUC. Herald, Panjim, April 11, 2003, Page No. 7

CNG refill spots in 6 months Retail outlets for supply of Compressed Natural Gas will soon dot all major cities of Andhra Pradesh. Initially, the Gas Authority of India Limited will open retail outlets at Vijayawada and Tirupathi and LPG filling stations in the twin cities. The CNG filling stations in the twin cities would materialise once a direct Natural Gas pipeline from Vijayawada is commissioned.

Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabad, April 11, 2003, Page No. 8

SC dismisses truckers' petition Maharashtra transporters who had pinned their hopes on the supreme court for extra time to phase out their old, polluting vehicles received a blow, when the apex court dismissed their petitions. However, transporters said the protest strike, which began on April 1, is likely to continue especially since a nation-wide transport strike is slated to begin on April 14.

The Times of India, Mumbai, April 11, 2003, Page No. 3

Hydrogen powered car The prospect of hydrogen fuel-cell powered cars, highlighted by President Bush in his state of the Union address to Congress, promises the benefits of major reductions in air pollution and US dependence on foreign oil suppliers...editorial

The Assam Tribune, Guwahati, April 10, 2003, Page No. 6

Hearing on truckers petition postponed: With the supreme court hearing on the transporters' petition against scrapping old vehicles from Mumbai city postponed to strikes is not likely to end soon. Transporters took out a morcha blocking traffic on P D' Mello Road, at Masjud Bunder. Commercial vehicle owners have been on strike since last week to protest against city high court orders banning 15-year old heavy vehicles in Mumbai, unless they convert to clean fuels like Compressed Natural Gas.

The Times of India, Mumbai, April 09, 2003 Page 4

Big trucking firms clean up their act with natural gas The Tokyo municipal government plans to tighten regulations governing diesel engine emissions in October prompting an acceleration in the introduction of eco-friendly vehicles in the transport industry. Nippon Express Co. and Yamato Transport Co. have test-introduced heavy-duty trucks fueled by compressed natural gas, while Sagawa Express Co. and Fukuyama Transporting Co. are also adding more CNG-engine trucks.

The Nikkei Weekly, Tokyo, April 07, 2003, Page No. 10

PUC certificates issued sans tests: Law students: Three law students have approached the Panjim Bench of the Bombay High Court asking that the government be directed to take a more pro-active stand in monitoring the agencies issuing Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates to motor vehicles, claiming that these certificates are presently being issued without any test being conducted.

Herald, Panjim, April 01, 2003 Page 4

GM and BMW to jointly support hydrogen cars General Motors Corp. (GM.N) and BMW AG (BMWG.DE) have agreed to work jointly on developing refueling devices for liquid hydrogen vehicles, which could replace gasoline or diesel-burning cars and trucks in the future, a GM official said. The two automakers are scheduled to announce the cooperative effort at a trade show in Hanover, Germany. GM and BMW will work to establish global standards for hydrogen refueling devices, such as the coupler to connect liquid hydrogen fueling pumps to future cars, Larry Burns, GM`s head of research and development, said.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, April 10, 2003

US Senate panel adopts Bush`s hydrogen car program The Senate Energy Committee this week agreed to authorize funding for the Bush administration`s hydrogen car program, rejecting Democratic attempts to set specific goals for automakers in getting the alternative-fuel vehicles on the highway. To help reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, President George W. Bush wants to spend $1.3 billion on research over the next five years to develop hydrogen-powered cars, service stations and other infrastructure to supply the fuel.

Planet Ark (Internet), Australia, April 10, 2003

Between smog and CNG, hard choices ahead The fallout of the battle to clean up Mumbai is showing up in the rising prices you're paying for food. Eight days have passed since 4.65 lakh trucks, private buses and tempos have been no strike over the issue of converting to CNG (compressed natural gas) engines for the sake of cleaner air. Of these goods vehicles, around 58000 (including 700 school buses) are from Mumbai itsef, all lying dormant to protest the Bommay High Court order to either convert from diesel to CNG, or face a stiff fine of Rs 500 a day to keep running.

The Indian Express, Mumbai, 1(s), April 09, 2003

This hybrid electric vehicle may hit the roads soon The Centre for Electronics Design and Technology (CEDT) of the Indian Institute of Science and Biel School of Engineering of Switzerland have jointly designed a hybrid electric vehicle which makes use of the best of both worlds-an internal combustion engine which most cars of today run on and an electric vehicle. The prototype of this hybrid vehicle was displayed at the workshop on "Technology meet on low pollution hybrid electric vehicles" held in the Indian Institute of Science today. It is said to be the first of its kind in the country. Many automobile majors in developed countries, however, have been researching on this technology for sometime.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, April 09, 2003, Page No. 2

New tools but PUC test a sham: CSE Another deadline for that slip of paper and yellow sticker saying 'Pollution Under Control' (PUC) is looming ahead. The 400 test centres in Delhi have computers and web cams for automatic imaging of number plates but these are just ''props'' as the real problem remains unsolved. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in an open letter to Surface Transport Minister B.C. Khanduri says that he is holding back the state governments from implementing an effective emission programme for in-use vehicle. The present system does not work because anybody can beat the lax standards that have not been upgraded since 1992. Though the Metros have Euro II norms for vehicles at the manufacturing stage, they have the same standards for in-use vehicles in the form of PUC.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 1supp, April 09, 2003

2 Companies said to agree to settle suits on emissions Alcoa and Archer Daniels Midland have agreed to settle federal air pollution complaints by upgrading smelters and other factories at a cost the government estimates at $700 million, one of the companies and people familiar with the case said. Alcoa, one of the largest emitters outside of power plants of sulfur dioxide, which causes acid rain, said it had agreed to reduce its sulfur dioxide emissions at its aluminum smelting plant in Rockdale, Tex., by at least 95 percent, or more than 52,000 tons a year. It will also reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, which contribute to smog, by 90 percent, or 17,000 tons a year.

New York Times (Internet), New York, April 08, 2003

They flout PUC licence norms with impurity Bharat Pandya is authorized to issue only petrol PUC certificates, but on March 30, he issued four diesel PUC certificates - two to autorickshaws, one each to a jeep and a van in Ahmedabad (Gujarat). All of them ply on diesel. Investigations by TNN showed dealers flouting PUC norms with gay abandon. Asked if he had a diesel licence, Bharat Pandya who operates two mobile PUC units, said ' I have my methods streamlined on how to issue a PUC certificate. If we land in a controversy, you are going to have it

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, April 07, 2003, Page No. 5

SC to hear truckers plea on April 7 The truckers' strike in Maharashtra entered it's fourth day on Friday amid prospects of a legal battle. The appeal against the Bombay HC Order on conversion of vehicles into CNG/LPG by July 31, will come up for hearing on April 7.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, April 05, 2003, Page No. 4

Private agencies will take home polluting vehicles If the Transport Department has its way, you will no longer see vehicles seized for pollution violations rusting in peace in Bangalore's police stations. Instead, they will be handed over to private security agencies for safe-keeping. "Discussions are being held at the highest level and once the suitable changes are made to the relevant Act, the Department can take the seizing polluting vehicles," a senior Transport Department official told.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, 1supp, April 04, 2003

Kolkata vehicles told to conform to Bharat II norms A division Bench of Calcutta High Court comprising the Chief Justice and Justice Mr J.K. Biswas today directed the State Government to ensure that all types of vehicles plying within Kolkata metropolis convert to Bharat Stage II standards. These vehicles include private, commercial, Government, semi Government, public goods carriers, two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws. The conversion should be completed within one year. The Court passed the order following a writ petition filed in environment and pollution control matter. The Court also directed the State Government to take steps so that the order is strictly complied with for the protection of environment.

Business Line, New Delhi, April 04, 2003, Page No. 17

Solar-powered rickshaws on the road They did not exactly look like the chariots of the sun god but appeared functional and roadworthy, besides being a lot environment friendly. The solar-powered rickshaws, for the introduction of which the former ruler of Mewar would be perhaps remembered by posterity, made a formal road run in the Rajasthan. The event, which was marked by a polo match between Solar East and Solar West at the Rambagh Polo Grounds here, was the official start of the first international solar rickshaw rally. The match was inaugurated by the former Queen Mother, Gayatri Devi of Jaipur.

The Hindu, New Delhi, April 04, 2003, Page No. 13 & www.hinduonnet.com

Adulterated fuel keep world class vehicles off the road Japan's Ambassador to Nepal has been riding around in a Toyota Lexus for almost three years now. Lexus is also a fuel-efficient and environment friendly vehicle. With emission rate only half that of the normal vehicle and fuel consumption almost 35 percent less, Lexus is a prized vehicle of many. There, however, is a downside to owning such a sumptuous vehicle in Nepal. 'The fuel in Nepal is of low grade and excessively adulterated', said Purushottm chitrakar, the auto mechanic. The problem, certainly, is not only encountered in Lexus. The lower grade fuel in Nepal, simply, is not compatible to the better versions of cars assembled by global manufacturers.

The Kathmandu Post, Kathmandu, April 03, 2003, Page No. 1

Oil cos may float 2nd tender for anhydrous alcohol The oil companies are likely to come out with a second tender next week calling for anhydrous alcohol supply to commence the gasohol programme in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, according to oil company sources. According to the sources, the tender will be for one-year supply of anhydrous ethanol to commence the sales of ethanol-blended fuel, gasohol, in these States. The oil companies hope to meet the deadline fixed by the Centre for them to commence supply of gasohol by June 30. Suppliers are expected to make available anhydrous ethanol by June 1 to the oil companies.

Business Line, New Delhi, April 03, 2003, Page No. 17

Volvo India chief moots Euro module for highways Truck maker Volvo India Ltd has suggested to the Government that it adopt the Euro module system of transportation once the $11-billion `Golden Quadrilateral` project is completed to reduce emission and save on huge fuel costs. In India, the fuel cost constitutes 60 per cent of freight companies. The Euro module system leads to reduction in fuel consumption of over 50 per cent, reduces emission by around 80 per cent and increases road space by over 70 per cent. "All this can lead to a reduction in transport cost per tonne km of around 30 per cent."

Business Line, New Delhi, April 03, 2003, Page No. 5

Supply to CNG stations to continue The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) (Pakistan) stopped the gas utilities - SNGPL and SSGCL - from disconnecting gas supplies to compressed natural gas stations till June 30. Under an executive order of the Director General Gas of the petroleum ministry, the utilities were required to disconnect gas supplies to analogue (non-digital) CNG stations after March 31, 2003. As a result, more than 55 CNG stations were to face stoppage of gas supply.

Dawn (Internet), Pakistan, April 02, 2003

'Arunachal hub of plant substitute for diesel' Talking to the media persons in Itanagar, Annasaheb MK Patil, a technocrat turned politician, made a sensational disclosure that the entire northeast, Arunachal Pradesh in particular, was the hub of jetropa plant, found also in south India, which has already proved its potential in virtually substituting diesel. Experiments were successful when jetropa mixed diesel had fuelled several runs of a Delhi -Amritsar train a month ago, said Patil who was the man behind making mandatory the mixing of methane with petrol and now preparing to bring through the legislation of jetropa-diesel mix for vehicular use which when in vogue would bring down the pollution curse to almost zero, said a confident Patil.

The Assam Tribune, Guwahati, April 02, 2003, Page No. 7

Bush rolls ahead with small fuel economy increase The Bush administration raised fuel economy standards for most sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks and minivans, but many contend the increase is too small to have much, if any, impact on the nation`s dependence on oil or its need to combat global warming. The final rule issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation`s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) increases the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for light trucks by 1.5 miles per gallon (mpg) over the next three years.

Environment News Service, US, April 02, 2003

Maharashtra strike Around 4.5 lakh trucks, tempos, tankers and private buses went off the roads in Maharashtra for an indefinite period to protest against an order of Mumbai high court on phasing out of vehicles more than 15 years old.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, April 02, 2003, Page No. 3

CNG price up Reversing a commitment for retaining the fixed price of gas sale to the CNG filling stations for five years, the Bangladesh government following a donor's suggestion has raised the rate by about one Taka per unit.

The Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka, April 01, 2003, Page No. 1

Pay fine, get extension, HC tells truckers Starting owners of 20000 heavy vehicles older than 15 years will have to shell out Rs 500 per vehicle per day until their vehicles are phased out or adapted to run on clean fuel. The deadline to phase out or convert to clean fuel ended. A division bench of Chief Justice C.K. Thakker and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud of the Bombay high court granted a four-month extension until July 31 to truckers and owners of other transport vehicles including buses, tankers, lorries, trailers and delivery vans - if they pay the Rs 500 fine per day.

The Times of India, Mumbai, April 01, 2003, Page No. 3

Extension of deadline likely for PUC certificates In a big relief to vehicle owners, the Delhi government is likely to announce a 15 day extension of the deadline for acquiring photographed Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate for vehicle owners in Delhi and those of the adjoining States plying their vehicles in the Capital. An announcement in this regard is expected to be made by the Transport Minister, Ajay Maken.

The Hindu, New Delhi, April 01, 2003, Page No. 3 & www.hinduonnet.com

People queue up to beat PUC deadline Long queues of vehicles reappeared outside pollution checking centers in Delhi as people rushed to the nearest centre in a last minute scramble to get the new computerized pollution under control (PUC) certificate with a photograph of the registration plate printed on it. The Delhi government has made it mandatory for all private and commercial vehicles running on the Capital's roads to possess the new PUC certificate on 1 April.

The Statesman, New Delhi, April 01, 2003, Page No. 3

IOC goes green with low sulphur content fuels Transport Minister B Ramanath Rai launched Indian Oil corporation's (IOC) environment-friendly fuels with lower sulphur content in Bangalore. IOC outlets will now supply fuels with a maximum sulphur content of 0.05 per cent as against the current level of 0.25 per cent, said an IOC official. The green fuels have been launched as part of the industry's initiative in the wake of the government committing itself to the introduction of clean fuels conforming to Bharat-II emission norms, said and IOC official.

The New Indian Express, Bangalore, 3supp, March 31, 2003

City of fumes Political inertia can be irreparably damaging the lungs. The Calcutta high court seems to have lost patience with the West Bengal government. The state has been deliberating for what feels like an eternity over what to do about the old vehicles which pollute the air of the city. The government hhas again submitted a report to the green bench on how it plans to check automobile pollution....Editorial

The Telegraph, Calcutta, March 31, 2003, Page No. 12

Petroleum companies oppose production of ethanol for fuel Calling for stepp