Eid ul-Fitr and the Environmental Challenge in Kerala

Yesterday, as Kerala celebrated Eid ul-Fitr on March 31, 2025, the streets buzzed with families traveling to visit friends and relatives. Amid the festive spirit, I noticed a troubling pattern while stuck in a traffic block: 6 out of 10 vehicles around me were diesel cars registered in other states, predominantly Toyota Innovas and Fortuners. A closer look revealed these vehicles were at least 7 years old, their model styling betraying their age. This isn’t just a random observation—it’s a red flag for Kerala’s environmental future and demands urgent attention from both the public and the government.

The Bigger Picture: Metro Cities and Kerala’s Looming Challenge

Kerala may feel like a single, sprawling city with its dense population and interconnected towns, but its environmental sensitivity sets it apart. The state’s lush terrain and biodiversity are at risk as urbanization accelerates, especially with upcoming national highway projects that will likely speed up this process. These highways, while boosting connectivity, will also increase traffic density—particularly from old, fossil fuel-powered vehicles like the ones I saw.

A 2020 study published in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews highlights the environmental toll of diesel vehicles. Diesel engines emit 22% more CO2 per liter than petrol vehicles. Moreover, older diesel engines (pre-BS-IV standards) emit up to 50% more PM2.5 than newer ones. Transportation accounts for 12% of energy-related CO2 emissions in India, a figure projected to double by 2050 if left unchecked, according to the International Energy Agency.

Metro cities like Delhi are already grappling with this crisis. Delhi, often dubbed one of the world’s most polluted capitals, has seen vehicular emissions become the top polluter. This occurs despite measures like the largest CNG program for public transport. They have phased out 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles and introduced Bharat Stage VI standards.

A 2024 analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) reveals that explosive motorization and congestion are undermining these efforts. Vehicles still contribute 70% of local PM2.5 in Delhi. The city’s air quality index (AQI) often spikes to “Severe” (301–400) during winter months. This increase is driven by stubble burning and vehicular emissions.

In response, Delhi has rolled out new policies: a ban on coal use in industrial and domestic units in the National Capital Region (NCR) starting January 2023, restrictions on non-destined trucks, and a push for electric buses. They plan to replace all CNG buses with electric ones post-2020. Yet, the CSE notes that inadequate public transport and last-mile connectivity continue to drive private vehicle use, exacerbating the pollution burden.

Kerala, while not yet at Delhi’s level, is on a dangerous trajectory. The influx of old diesel vehicles—many likely being “dumped” in Kerala as other states tighten regulations—poses a future burden we can’t ignore. These vehicles, often over 7 years old, lack modern emission controls. They contribute disproportionately to PM2.5 and NOx emissions, which are linked to respiratory diseases and premature deaths. With national highways set to accelerate urbanization, Kerala’s air quality could rapidly deteriorate if we don’t act now.

A Lesson from Uru: Sustainability Starts Small

At Uru Consulting, we believe sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a conscious choice, often born from necessity. In our early days as Zeros and Ones Architectural and Engineering Consultants, starting in 2015, the four of us—myself, Siyad, Shabeeb, and later Safwan—shared a single vehicle to commute to our 90 sqft office in Ramanattukara, Calicut.

We’d meet at a common spot and ride together, rotating vehicles among us. It started as an expense-reducing strategy; with each of us taking just ₹1000 a month, every rupee mattered. But after 2018, we turned this into a policy. We aimed not just to save money but to live our values—a minimal, sustainable business that treads lightly on the planet.

That small act of carpooling cut our fuel use, reduced emissions, and reminded us that change begins with our everyday choices. If a small firm like ours can do this, imagine the impact if every Keralite made similar choices.

Embracing a Sustainable Mindset

Sustainability isn't solely the domain of large corporations. It starts with each of us. In our lives, we can make more conscientious decisions, whether through carpooling, biking, or using public transport. Our collective efforts can lead to a significant reduction in emissions.

The festive season serves as a pivotal time to reflect on these habits. As we witness families traveling during Eid, it’s crucial to understand the cumulative effect of our transportation choices. If 6 out of 10 vehicles in a traffic block are old diesel cars, imagine how this affects Kerala’s air quality over time.

Kerala’s Unique Challenge: A Call for Local Action

Kerala’s government must take proactive steps to address this growing threat. First, we need stricter regulations on old vehicles. Delhi’s policy of phasing out 10-year-old diesel vehicles should inspire us. Kerala could implement a similar scrappage policy, offering incentives for owners to replace old diesel cars with electric or hybrid alternatives.

The state’s sensitive terrain demands an optimal vehicle density, not a free-for-all for fossil fuel engines. Second, investing in sustainable public transport is essential. Delhi’s struggle with poor last-mile connectivity and unreliable bus services is a lesson for Kerala. Projects like the Kerala Semi-High Speed Rail are a start, but we need comprehensive, eco-friendly transport systems.

Think electric buses, e-rickshaws, and improved pedestrian infrastructure to reduce reliance on private vehicles. Additionally, public awareness is critical. As citizens, we must rethink our choices. Carpooling, using public transport, or walking short distances can create a meaningful impact.

Public Engagement and Awareness

Education about the implications of our transportation habits should be part of this conversation. Creating community programs that highlight the advantages of eco-friendly vehicle options could be a game-changer. Promoting electric vehicles and providing incentives could encourage more citizens to make responsible choices.

Active community engagement will foster a culture of sustainability. We could establish regular workshops to teach residents about the environmental impacts of their transport choices, including practical tips and alternatives.

A Critique: Where Are Our Traffic and Environment Consultants?

Kerala’s approach to this issue exposes a deeper systemic failure. Where are our traffic and environment consultants? The state lacks a dedicated civil engineering wing focused on traffic and sustainability. Our civil engineering efforts fixate on construction—building roads and bridges—while ignoring the broader environmental impact.

During my graduation, I presented a seminar on traffic congestion pricing, a concept used globally to reduce urban traffic and pollution. It charges drivers for using congested routes. My teachers questioned the relevance to civil engineering, reflecting a narrow mindset. This isn’t innovation—it’s a distraction from real challenges.

Worse, global consultants often guide our government without committing to Kerala’s people. These consultants, parachuted in with generic solutions, fail to grasp the unique socio-environmental fabric of the state. They push policies suitable for cities like Dubai or Delhi but overlook Kerala’s dense terrain and cultural reliance on personal vehicles during festivals like Eid. We need local traffic engineers and environmental experts who understand our context.

The government must prioritize building this expertise instead of relying on outsiders who lack a personal stake in our community’s success.

The Way Forward: A Shared Responsibility

Kerala stands at a crossroads. The upcoming national highways will bring growth, but they’ll also introduce more vehicles, more pollution, and more strain on our environment. The government must act now—implement strict vehicle age regulations, incentivize electric vehicle adoption, and construct sustainable transport infrastructure.

At Uru Consulting, we’ve pivoted to sustainability because we believe in designing for the future, not just the present. Our carpooling policy is a small step, but it’s a start. We hope it inspires others to act.

To the people of Kerala: let’s be mindful of the vehicles we use and their impact. Choose to carpool, walk, or opt for cleaner alternatives. To the government: don’t wait for Kerala to mirror another Delhi. Act now, with local expertise, to protect our state’s future. The beauty of our struggle is that it’s shared—and together, we can build a cleaner, greener Kerala.