As India's lobbies debate the benefits and side-effects of converting diesel buses to other fuels, the US is also thinking of phasing out diesel school buses. Because children are most succeptible to the effects of diesel-induced pollution. It was a strange finding from a survey that was supposed to check out environmental management practices among Indian companies. The next generation has to be sensitised to the need to keep India's rivers clean. On the face of it, yes, though there are hidden costs.
Electric trains require power that has to be generated, with attendant pollution.
Diesel locos pollute more visibly but carry fewer hidden costs. The truth be told, Delhi's air pollution did not stem so much from buses as from other means of transport. Residents blame aerial spraying of the pesticide endosulfan by the Plantation Corporation of Kerala. The Indian budget announced on February 28 has done little to encourage cleaner or alternative sources of energy. This studies identifies sources of pollution and suggests ways to reduce them.