It would seem that the world of auto manufacturers have not learnt a lesson.
Briefly, the Planet is almost in its Death Throes. The one reason most responsible is the Internal Combustion Engine and that can be narrowed down to diesel engines.
The U.S. auto manufacturers have happily announced that the demand for SUVs is on the surge. SUVs means an extra large vehicle and 80% chances are it is a diesel engine and 4 wheel drive. The SUV is designed for use on the farm and in the agriculture sector. So what is it doing in urban areas? The real reason is to boost your ego and flash your bank account.
This extra large vehicle is an extension of your inferiority complex! Look! Mine is bigger than yours. That is the real reason.
Some European cities do not allow SUVs to enter the city. There must be a reason for this. They pollute more than any other vehicle. They endanger the lives of the citizens, of the flora and fauna, plus damage to the buildings.
The latest figures released by the University of Chicago’s Air Quality Life Index created by Professor Milton Freidman, the distinguished economist, and the Energy Policy Institute of the University of Chicago say that a Dilli Wala has his life cut short by 9.4 years due to poor air quality.
Lucknow, that beautiful city of Nawabs, Kebabs, Biriyani and Pehle Aap is also in trouble. The life span of its residents is cut short by 3.10 years.
Lucknow’s pollution level is 11 times more than WHO norms!
The rest of the Indian Metropolis cities are not much better. Overall, the average Indian has his life shortened by 5.2 years.
While you absorb these figures, ask yourself, what is my contribution to the annihilation of Mother Earth?
The answer is quiet simple! I drive around with an Internal Combustion Engine whose sole job, other than to provide movement, is to manufacture massive quantities of toxic fumes and kill the Planet!
If you are serious and want to make a positive contribution, move to a car with a smaller engine. 1600 cc is ideal for a family. Great for the city and adequate for highway cruising.
Some of our local manufacturers are now offering cars with CNG or LPG fired engines. They are non-polluting, inexpensive to run, fun to drive and some of the small-medium range cars like the Wagon R, boast some of the features found on Rs. 20.00 Lakh cars like electronic ORVM, parking sensors, automatic drive.
Most important, they are emitting near zero pollutants.
About 20 years ago Delhi’s air was unbreathable. The Hon’ble Supreme Court passed an order that all city buses must run on CNG.
Today Delhi has the largest fleet of CNG buses in the world. It did help to clean up the air.
If the air is deadly again, it is the Delhi citizen who is responsible.
If you live and work in Delhi, why do you need a SUV? It pollutes, hard to park, not fun to drive.
However it does make for good cocktail conversation to impress people.
The world has become very aware of the state of the Planet and how we have consumed it.
Showing the world your concern and contribution to salvage Mother Earth may earn you kudos.
If the Delhi Government had its wits and had ordered only natural gas, CNG, LPG engine cars to be sold in Delhi plus a total ban on diesel vehicles your children will live happier, healthier and longer lives. Maybe even you will live and breathe better!
Stop pampering your ego, think about your children.
Drive on natural gas or electric.
