[Dr.Suraj]

There is a LOT we can do.

A LOT.

& believe me we don't need to wait for others to begin, or a group movement or a FB announcement.

Each individual can contribute in their own little way and it WILL make a difference.
Trust me. It does.
It is relatively minuscule for us to notice it in the vastness instantly, but we will reap the benefits later.

1. Learn the difference between Needs & Wants

2. A family of 3 having 2 cars and 1 scooter when the total distance between them is 5 kms travel per day, just because they want.

3. Give up this false sense of an enlarged status or ego connecting to the size of your car

4. You don't need an SUV for daily city office commute!
(I have seen some amazing people on this thread who are making good use of an SUV's actual capabilities. Hats off to them)

5. MAINTAIN your cars. Not only do they run better, they give better fuel efficiency = more money saved.

6. Shun or Ban (personally) Auto's or Taxi's who have not maintained. Somewhere they will be forced to upgrade

7. Turn off your engine at the signal when not required, or when having a snack at a road side food stall. Open the windows, let the natural air circulate your car for a change. If it really stinks outside, ask yourself why exactly are you eating at such a place then?

8. WALK. WALK. WALK. Wherever you can. Apart from health it saves you a LOT of money.
I am a doctor, I know of people who spend 10k per month as membership to good gyms to loose weight, but will not walk 750 metres to their friend's place or will be chauffeur driven to the mall /store & get down in the middle of the road disrupting traffic and wasting fuel while the driver circles for parking, when they could have EASILY walked to that store. (case in point, especially the IRLA Lane, Vile Parle (W) - where the shopper's paradise Alfa chain of stores exists)

9. Chauffeur driven VW Beetles ! Come on people! Really?

10. PLANT more trees. Nurture them. Whatever little you can, wherever you can. Your balcony, your window sill.
Have you noticed, all 'posh' areas have a nice green canopy cover. (JVPD, Malabar Hill, Cuffe Parade, Pali Hill - in Mumbai). The trees act as bio-monitors. They buffer the air and the sound. Makes it serene and nice.

11. The topic is on pollution - sorry if this is off, but I wish to add a small note on 'Sound' pollution as well. PLEASE stop honking like crazy. It is NOT the button for Nitro that will make the car move faster - neither yours nor of the guy in front of you.

12. Drive without the A/c on nice free highways 'if possible'. Enjoy the feeling of the wind in your air. Its unbeatable. And Priceless.


To all the guys who don't care two hoots about the environment:

1. EVERYTHING that you do here mentioned in this list will DEFINITELY save you Money. Yes. Indeed. Try it. Now I am sure there is no one here who does not like Money. So if you don't care about the green of Nature, care about the green of Money. Right?

2. Everytime you think, why should I ?
Pause for a moment of recollect in your mind, the memory of you sweating and cursing under the sweltering heat and harsh sun of the weather.
And wondering - why the hell does it have to be so hot?
Well, either don't ask that question because you know the answer.
Or
do something about it.

I am sure a lot of you will have a lot of flak to write back.
I am open to criticism and further suggestions.

[ankur_fox]

or just switch to public transport ... :P jk

So much of this depends on how you drive your car. Rapid accelerations, hard braking, driving on high speed with no sense of anticipating the distance in front of you, lack of patience.

I feel like quoting someone's signature ... "Stop road development, first develop road drivers"

[RGK]

Originally Posted by Dr.Suraj

8. WALK. WALK. WALK. Wherever you can. Apart from health it saves you a LOT of money.
I am a doctor, I know of people who spend 10k per month as membership to good gyms to loose weight, but will not walk 750 metres to their friend's place or will be chauffeur driven to the mall /store & get down in the middle of the road disrupting traffic and wasting fuel while the driver circles for parking, when they could have EASILY walked to that store. (case in point, especially the IRLA Lane, Vile Parle (W) - where the shopper's paradise Alfa chain of stores exists).

200% correct.

I became terribly upset when my office was shifted to the so called IT highway (useless) two years back.

Options before me
- Public transport
-Car/Two wheeler
- Office bus

Office bus was ruled out as it operates on prescribed timings. Car is Ok, but takes more time and two wheeler was very risky. Had the only option to take public transport.
Luckily had A/c buses plying in the morning and the frequency is less (min of 1 hour).

Eventhough it was very comfortable, I did not have the patience to wait, run and catch. Then I thought of writing a letter to the Transport Sec, TN Govt(to give a try). He immediately responded and called me for a meeting.

Shared the grievences of not having more buses during rush hour. After explaining the potential in the IT corridor, more A/c buses were introduced at that time. Increased patronage made the Trans Dept to introduce more buses.
Due to his timely action & support, Lot of A/C buses ply on the IT corridor today. 40% of the A/C fleet in chennai is made to serve the IT highway.

Very satisfied on seeing the A/c buses completely full during the rush hour. 40 seats + 45 standees travel on a single journey in a bus saving atleast 25 private vehicles. Timely action by a top Govt official has minimized the pollution to a large extent. Now the transport dept is exploring more potential routes.

This is my default mode of transport to office. It is safe, convenient and relatively cheap.

Had a chance to speak to one of the ITDP director about the plans of implementation of BRTS in Chennai. BRTS corridors are planned now including the IT highway. Suggested to design with underpasses at traffic signals (only for BRTS). If implemented well, BRTS will have more takers and reduces the usage of private vehicles.

Car pooling is OK if the work timings are in sync.

[oxyzen]

Originally Posted by Dr.Suraj

You don't need an SUV for daily city office commute!
(I have seen some amazing people on this thread who are making good use of an SUV's actual capabilities. Hats off to them)

I am confused. Is it a complement or is this sarcastic?

Originally Posted by Dr.Suraj

6. Shun or Ban (personally) Auto's or Taxi's who have not maintained. Somewhere they will be forced to upgrade

Forget autos and taxis. I am yet to find a PUC stall that does actually check for pollution.

Originally Posted by Dr.Suraj

7. Turn off your engine at the signal when not required,

I have seen this suggession a lot but what I can tell is that if you are switching it off for an interval less than 20 sec you are not reaping any benefits. Too many start stops will put load on your battery, alternator, starter motor and takes a toll on the engine lubrication system. The mountings weakens etc etc etc. Specially with diesels it can lead to coking and the turbo will take a hit. Cars are not designed for frequent start stops. May be this is what the OEMs should focus now.
The micro hybrids should have robust designs.

Originally Posted by Dr.Suraj

9. Chauffeur driven VW Beetles ! Come on people! Really?

Originally Posted by Dr.Suraj

10. PLANT more trees. Nurture them. Whatever little you can, wherever you can. Your balcony, your window sill.

Well there is also a satisfaction associated with it. Gardening as a hobby anyone?

Originally Posted by Dr.Suraj

11. The topic is on pollution - sorry if this is off, but I wish to add a small note on 'Sound' pollution as well. PLEASE stop honking like crazy. It is NOT the button for Nitro that will make the car move faster - neither yours nor of the guy in front of you.

This is absolutely not off topic. Honking for Indians is in their genes. You can also get rid of the irritating high pitched reverse parking speaker system or atleast get a pleasant sounding one.

Originally Posted by Dr.Suraj

To all the guys who don't care two hoots about the environment:
1. EVERYTHING that you do here mentioned in this list will DEFINITELY save you Money.

How true. Most people dont give a damn about environment. That includes shitting on public places, polluting water by dumping wastes. Hell they cant even keep from polluting their own rooms.
I think their blithe disregard for the environment is due to lack of discipline in our education structure.

[Dr.Suraj]

Originally Posted by RGK

200% correct.

Then I thought of writing a letter to the Transport Sec, TN Govt(to give a try). He immediately responded and called me for a meeting.

Shared the grievences of not having more buses during rush hour. After explaining the potential in the IT corridor, more A/c buses were introduced at that time. Increased patronage made the Trans Dept to introduce more buses.
Due to his timely action & support, Lot of A/C buses ply on the IT corridor today. 40% of the A/C fleet in chennai is made to serve the IT highway.

Car pooling is OK if the work timings are in sync.

Thank you.


For the act of writing a letter.

I do that many a times, irrespective of the final outcome, and without any expectations,
Just express my thoughts to people who I think can make a difference.

Very heartening to know your suggestion was given consideration and acted upon.
Amazing!
Seriously - Hats off to BOTH the parties involved. Yourself & the Govt.

Well Done.
We need more examples like this.

Sadly Public Transport in Mumbai .......... well thats a different topic.

[Dr.Suraj]

Originally Posted by oxyzen

I am confused. Is it a complement or is this sarcastic?

Compliment for the genuine off-roaders on this forum. Impressive and really touches you deep inside - wanting to follow suit!

Originally Posted by oxyzen

Forget autos and taxis. I am yet to find a PUC stall that does actually check for pollution.

Originally Posted by oxyzen

I have seen this suggession a lot but what I can tell is that if you are switching it off for an interval less than 20 sec you are not reaping any benefits. Too many start stops will put load on your battery, alternator, starter motor and takes a toll on the engine lubrication system. The mountings weakens etc etc etc. Specially with diesels it can lead to coking and the turbo will take a hit. Cars are not designed for frequent start stops. May be this is what the OEMs should focus now.
The micro hybrids should have robust designs.

Agree again. My mistake. I should have mentioned the duration.
Like in mumbai on your usual route, you know signals (especially busy junctions) where it takes a full 45 - 90 seconds MINIMUM.
Also in a traffic jam, you can often see upto 12 rows ahead of you and you can gauge when the traffic is actually going to move.
This may not become a Standard procedure, but must be applied everytime possible.

I have personally seen an increase in FE by about 0.8 kmpl with the employment of this technique.
Given the price of petrol - even 0.8 is good. Right?

Originally Posted by oxyzen

Well there is also a satisfaction associated with it. Gardening as a hobby anyone?

+1 to that !
Why NOT. I love it. But I am sure you will have some guy telling you it's too pansy.
And in Mumbai people don't have time to care for living creatures where is the scope to care for plants / animals!

Originally Posted by oxyzen

This is absolutely not off topic. Honking for Indians is in their genes. You can also get rid of the irritating high pitched reverse parking speaker system or atleast get a pleasant sounding one.

Oh! Touched a nerve there buddy. Absolutely! Thankfully you don't hear many reverse horns these days. But seriously horrible irritating tunes.
A lot of things are in Indian genes: including obesity and diabetes. But must we live with them all? Can we not change!
Technically, Intelligence is ALSO in Indian genes. As is being considerate and cultured and civilized. (we are after all one of the foremost civilizations in the world as we know it today)

Originally Posted by oxyzen

How true. Most people dont give a damn about environment. That includes shitting on public places, polluting water by dumping wastes. Hell they cant even keep from polluting their own rooms.
I think their blithe disregard for the environment is due to lack of discipline in our education structure.

What more can you say!
When they 'pollute' their own homes and families, it is TOO much to expect them to care for the building, area, city, society, country, world.

[NikhilReddy]

My top 5 suggestions are:

- Walk the talk.. walk walk and walk where ever it is possible
- All public and private transport busses, Autos & cars should run on LPG or CNG.
- Incentive for manufacturers with power to efficiency slab. Ex: 2000CC but 18kmpl - 20 Kmpl 2% off on duty; 2000CC but 15Kmpl-17Kmpl - 1% off on duty etc.
- If carpool is difficult hire a combined taxi - relax and chit chat -the drive from office to home.
- Maintenance plan mandatory for all new cars, this plan should be part of on-road price. Forces the owners to maintain their vehicles with proper dealers

[doxinboy]

Originally Posted by NikhilReddy

My top 5 suggestions are:

- Walk the talk.. walk walk and walk where ever it is possible
- All public and private transport busses, Autos & cars should run on LPG or CNG.

You got it right mate. It's not that we can't walk, but we have attuned to use wheels in all possible situation. It all boils down to disciplining ourselves, though it is easier said than done.

Regarding public transport, I agree with you. I remember it is the Supreme Court which took active part in forcing Delhi government to adopt CNG. I sincerely wish the policy makers will come with similar solution in all major cities.

Off late in Bangalore I have noticed quite a few green autos. If I am commuting in an auto, I choose greens over the conventional ones. This encourages them and if most of the ecofriendly people does it, I am sure it can change the landscape of public transport by a great length.

[oxyzen]

Originally Posted by NikhilReddy

- Incentive for manufacturers with power to efficiency slab. Ex: 2000CC but 18kmpl - 20 Kmpl 2% off on duty; 2000CC but 15Kmpl-17Kmpl - 1% off on duty etc.

However noble this idea is, it is absolutely impossible.
Whats possible is:-
Ex: 2000CC but 18kmpl - 20 Kmpl 0% off on duty;
2000CC but 15Kmpl-17Kmpl - 2% extra duty etc.
2000CC but less than 15kmpl - 5 % extra duty.

India govt will never ever think of reducing taxes. But all suggestions regarding tax increase is more than welcome.

[RGK]

Originally Posted by Dr.Suraj

Thank you.


For the act of writing a letter.
Very heartening to know your suggestion was given consideration and acted upon.Amazing!Seriously - Hats off to BOTH the parties involved. Yourself & the Govt.Well Done.

Welcome Dr.
My part was very very limited here except a mail by post. The Secretary obliged and acted immediately. Now I have a made a practice of sending feedback and observations once in a while, but only about my regular travelling route (bit selfish here).

[alpha1]

Originally Posted by Dr.Suraj

There is a LOT we can do.

A LOT.

& believe me we don't need to wait for others to begin, or a group movement or a FB announcement.

Each individual can contribute in their own little way and it WILL make a difference.
Trust me. It does.
It is relatively minuscule for us to notice it in the vastness instantly, but we will reap the benefits later.

1. Learn the difference between Needs & Wants



I am sure a lot of you will have a lot of flak to write back.
I am open to criticism and further suggestions.

I have just one thing to write back.
Capitalism.

Deep down - its the wants, the ego and the status that drives capitalism and the "development".
If we were only concerned about our needs, then we would be just wandering like animals foraging fruits and nuts, and probably hunting once in a while.

Its the development (till now) that has lead to the degradation of our environment.

Besides, what one person judges as a need can be judged by other person as a want.


Unless the environmentally favorable technologies are "artificially" given an economic benefit, there is no incentive, in this world fueled by capitalism, to apply it.

[plain.vanilla]

I agree with Dr. Suraj's points and a lot of other valuable comments on this thread. I think the only way to get the message across to people to reduce pollution is to use the media. We have seen so many effective adverts on TV. I am sure a set of well made ads played during prime time would help.

As far as noise pollution is concerned, the correct use of horn and other alerting sound devices should be made part of the 'syllabus' for people applying for drivers licenses.

Every day I see at least one car where the person travelling in it rolls down the window and throws out garbage on to the street. When we go abroad we take care to store our garbage in a plastic bag and dispose it when get home or when we find a waste disposal location. When we come back to India we are okay with throwing it out the window.

The bicycle has lost its charm in India. It is not cool enough anymore. When was the last time you saw a BSA or Hercules type bicycle advert on TV?

[achtung]

The most significant thing that can be done is to ban 2-stroke autos. They produce by far the highest amount of pollution per mile.

Then, maybe public transport, which is run by local government, could have a go at following the same emission levels that they (theoretically) want everyone else to follow (Bharat 4?)

Modern cars produce a small fraction of the pollution that a 2-stroke auto or a badly maintained old bus do.

I cycle around town on a Saturday and Sunday, but am not sure whether the evil air is doing me more harm than the exercise is doing me good!

[RajaTaurus]

How can I be a GREEN DRIVER?

Well, a Green driver contributes to reduction of CO2 emission, primarily by other vehicles on the road and as a indirect benefit, directly reduces his own CO2 emission as well.

Remember, every time a vehicle brakes and accelerates it uses 6 times more fuel – 6 times more CO2 emission into the atmosphere.

Now by adopting to ‘green driving’, you follow these principles:

1. When I enter a main road, I stop, watch the traffic from right, allow them to pass and then enter. Imagine you are entering a main road from a side road without watching to the right, and a truck is coming at 40 kmph speed. He has to brake until you enter and pick up speed and then he accelerates. That was 1 x 5 times more CO2 into the atmosphere because of you. If there were 5 vehicles coming behind that truck, then multiply that by 5.
2. When I have to turn, I plan my turn, take the correct lane to turn and turn when the signal is Green. Unplanned turns cause the vehicles on the other lane to slow down and accelerate after you pass. At least 5 vehicles accelerate because of you.
3. I don’t make my own lanes at traffic signals. Each traffic signal has at least one (or more) lane(s) to go straight, one to turn right and one to turn left (if any). If you make another lane between these 3 lanes just because there is space, you slow down the entire traffic, as there would be only 1 lane to go in the front. All the extra-lane vehicles try to squeeze through and you end up slowing down the traffic and then accelerate, more CO2 into the atmosphere.
4. I stop always on the stop line: This would help the pedestrians cross on the zebra crossing and the other side traffic to pass faster. If you overshoot the zebra crossing, people walk on the road, the other side traffic slows down, more CO2 into the air…
5. I never drive on the other side of the road at traffic signals: At the traffic signal, if you cross over the median line to the other side, the on-coming vehicles will have little place to pass, slowing down the vehicles, more fuel consumption and more CO2 into the air.
6. I don’t stop or park on roads with only 2 lanes: By ad-hoc stopping and parking, even for few minutes causes more vehicles to brake and accelerate emitting more CO2.
7. I never go through One way roads: Most of the One way roads are unmonitored and if one vehicle comes in the opposite direction, it could cause as many as 50 vehicles to slow down and accelerate Emitting more CO2.
8. I always insist the driver of the vehicle I travel in, be it a cab, a bike, an Auto, or a bus. You sure can insist on the drivers of these vehicles you ride in, and I am sure at least half of them would oblige and that is a big achievement.

These are not exhaustive list of principles. Anything that does least hindrance to the main traffic contributes I multi-folds…

Assume you are violating each of the above in one day, and as an average 5 vehicles slowed down and accelerated because of you, the resulting CO2 emitted into the atmosphere is an average of 7 acts x 5 vehicles x 6 times more fuel consumption. That is an whopping, 210 TIMES CO2 emitted into the atmosphere on a single day because of you.

That also means that if you follow these rules, in One day, you contributed to the CO2 saving by at least 210 times of the fuel consumption of 1 vehicle.

[sgiitk]

One other point. Make sure that you get pure fuel, not stuff with 'unofficial' additives like Kerosene and Naphtha. Best way is to go to a reputable fuel bunk.