ELECTRIC VEHICLES WILL CURB POLLUTION STEPHEN DIAS, DONA PAULA
A recent study conducted by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has revealed alarming proportions of air pollution due to vehicular emission as well as industrial activity. Levels of particulate matter 10 microns and 2.5 microns are very high in and around the Mormugao Port Trust area in the port city of Vasco due to coal dust pollution as well as in the cities like Panaji, Mapusa, Ponda and the Industrial estates of Kundaim, Cuncolim and Tuem. It is also a matter of concern that the population to vehicle proportion in Goa is now almost 1:1. To curtail air pollution in cities it may be highlighted that prospective buyers should phase out their old vehicles running on petrol and diesel and instead purchase electric vehicles with both 2-wheelers and 4-wheelers being available at rates of Rs. 30,000/- and Rs. 7,00,000/- respectively. Also all electrical vehicles are subsidized and do not have to pay road tax which is about 8% ti 9%. Also electric vehicles do not have to pay registration and licensing fees. These electric vehicles are ideal for those two wheelers doing 30-40 kilometers a a day and four-wheelers doing 70 to 80 kilometers day. Traditional notions to buy only petrol and diesel vehicles should not become an impediment since electric vehicles in the long run are environment friendly as well as cheaper to maintain as also reduces emissions of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides which cause acid rain and contribute to water pollution. Sent from my Samsung device