Environmental Implications of Increasing Road Transport in India

The rapid expansion of road transport in India has been a key driver of economic growth and connectivity. However, it has also resulted in several environmental challenges, including increased air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and noise pollution. As India continues to urbanize and expand its road networks, it is crucial to assess the environmental implications of this growth.

1. Increase in Air Pollution:

One of the most significant environmental impacts of rising road transport is the increase in air pollution. Vehicles emit harmful pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to poor air quality.

• Example: Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities experience high levels of air pollution, with road transport being a major contributor. According to the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report (2023), road transport in India accounts for approximately 35% of PM2.5 emissions in urban areas.

2. Contribution to Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

The road transport sector is a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), which contributes to global warming and climate change. As the number of vehicles on Indian roads continues to rise, CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion have increased substantially.

• Example: India is the world’s third-largest emitter of GHGs, with road transport contributing about 13% of the country’s total CO2 emissions. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that road transport emissions could increase by 57% by 2040 if current trends continue.

3. Loss of Biodiversity and Deforestation:

The construction and expansion of road networks often lead to deforestation and the loss of biodiversity. Forests and wildlife habitats are cleared for highways and roads, leading to the fragmentation of ecosystems and the endangerment of species.

• Example: The expansion of National Highways (NH), especially in ecologically sensitive regions like the Western Ghats, has raised concerns about habitat destruction. The proposed Chardham Highway Project in Uttarakhand has been criticized for its potential impacts on forests and wildlife in the Himalayan region.

4. Noise Pollution:

The increase in vehicular traffic has also resulted in heightened levels of noise pollution in urban areas. Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can cause adverse health effects, including stress, sleep disturbances, and hearing loss.

• Example: In cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, noise levels near busy roads often exceed the prescribed limits by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), impacting the well-being of urban populations.

5. Impact on Water Resources:

Road transport infrastructure, particularly highways and urban roads, can negatively affect water resources by altering natural drainage patterns, increasing surface runoff, and contributing to water pollution through oil spills and tyre wear. Road construction often leads to the blockage of water bodies and increased sedimentation in rivers and lakes.

• Example: In Kerala, the construction of roads in the Western Ghats has contributed to landslides and floods, as the natural flow of rivers and streams has been disrupted.

6. Accelerated Climate Change:

The cumulative effect of increased carbon emissions and the destruction of carbon sinks (forests) due to road expansion accelerates climate change. This leads to more extreme weather events like floods, droughts, and rising temperatures, affecting both the environment and human health.

• Example: In recent years, cities like Chennai and Mumbai have experienced severe flooding, exacerbated by poor urban planning and road infrastructure that disrupts natural water flow and drainage systems.

7. Mitigation Measures and Sustainable Practices:

To mitigate the environmental impacts of road transport, the government has introduced several initiatives to promote green mobility and reduce emissions. The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME II) scheme aims to promote electric vehicles (EVs) as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuel-based vehicles. Additionally, projects like the National Green Highways Mission focus on planting trees along highways to offset carbon emissions.

• Example: The Delhi Government’s Electric Vehicle Policy (2020) aims to make 25% of all new vehicle registrations electric by 2024, promoting sustainable transport and reducing pollution in the capital.

Conclusion:

The increasing reliance on road transport in India has led to significant environmental challenges, including higher levels of air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and noise pollution. While the sector is crucial for economic development and connectivity, it is imperative to adopt sustainable transport solutions like electric vehicles, improved public transport, and eco-friendly infrastructure to minimize its environmental impact. Initiatives like FAME II and green highways are steps in the right direction, but more needs to be done to ensure that road transport aligns with India’s environmental and climate goals.