Question : POLLUTION LEVEL IN METROPOLITAN CITIES

(a) whether the TATA Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in its study found that the quality of air at petrol pumps in the national capital and other metropolitan cities in the country is alarming and below the prescribed standard;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the resultant health hazards to the employees working in the petrol/diesel outlets and the nearby residents;

(c) whether the Government has taken any steps to control the emission of toxic fumes near the petrol/diesel outlets;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)

(a)to(e). The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi has undertaken a study, namely, ‘Variation in air quality at filling stations’ in Delhi’. Benzene, Toluene and Xylene (BTX) levels were measured at petrol pumps which is a work environment. Sampling has been undertaken for one hour during peak period and the data has been compared with annual average norms for Benzene in ambient air. Work environment and ambient air are two different entities.

No epidemiological study has been undertaken by the Ministry of Environment & Forests and Central Pollution Control Board for the employees working at petrol/diesel outlets.

Benzene content in petrol has been reduced to 1% (November, 2000) from 5% (April, 1995).