THIS REPORT COMBINES detailed statistics and technical analyses of pollution levels in Indian cities with a close examination of the political and economic background in which these extremely high levels of pollution are being produced. The introduction examines the legislative and institutional framework which aims to control air pollution in the cities but which fails to restrain vehicular pollution. A wide range of actors are identified as contributing to the fast-growing levels of pollution, from vehicle manufacturers to government bodies.

The first chapter discusses relations between the automobile industry, the petroleum industry and the government, and the role played by each group – none of whom accepts responsibility for this fast-growing problem. The second chapter analyzes traffic composition, attributing, to a great extent, the abundance of private vehicles to the lack of public transport. It includes statistics on levels and content of vehicle emissions in various cities (Delhi, Mumbai and Calcutta).

The next section looks at the automobile industry in India and suggests that outdated technology, bad quality fuel, poor vehicle maintenance and a lack of traffic planning are the main causes of high levels of pollution. The report goes beyond an analysis of the statistics to examine the political and economic frameworks which are responsible: for example, the authors focus upon government legislation, the Indian petroleum industry, alternative fuels (and their availability) and problems created by two- and three-wheel motor vehicles.

Chapter 4 considers the impact of vehicular pollution on human health. The effects of different pollutants (including unleaded fuels) are examined, from breathlessness and asthma to cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The final chapter weighs up the trade-off between health and mobility taking place in Indian cities, blaming the extent of the problem on a lack of government transparency and a lack of space for citizen participation in decision making. Based on their research, the authors put forward a number of recommendations aimed at reducing vehicular pollution, such as upgrading the quality of the fuel and technology, inspecting and maintaining vehicles and improving traffic planning. The book ends with interviews with two key actors in this arena, the chair of an automobile manufacturing firm and the chair of the Central Pollution Control Board.