What is LEZ? A possible solution to improving air quality in Pune

LEZs are a widely accepted strategy to reduce vehicular emissions and improve air quality in the long run.

3 min readPuneUpdated: Feb 24, 2026 09:33 PM IST

When a city cannot provide clean air to breathe, it doesn’t just suffocate lungs; it suffocates thought.(Source: Express Archives/ Representational)

A new study by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) India has said that its findings suggest that when there are policy interventions to check polluting vehicles, people are likely to shift to cleaner alternatives. Among the interventions supported by the study is introducing Low Emission Zone (LEZ). ITDP defines LEZ as a designated zone where highly polluting vehicles are either banned or charged a daily pollution charge, to ensure that only cleaner or less polluting vehicles enter. Here is a brief look at LEZs.

Why do LEZs exist?

According to a study by IITM-SAFAR in 2023, almost 50 per cent of Particulate Matter 2.5 or PM2.5 emissions come from the transport sectors. PM2.5 are fine particles, which are 30 times smaller than the diameter of the human hair. These particles are inhalable and cause allergies and ailments, such as asthma in vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly.

How can LEZs improve the situation?

LEZs are a widely accepted strategy to reduce vehicular emissions and improve air quality in the long run. Polluting vehicles are restricted from certain areas through either by charging drivers a fee to enter these zones or by banning highly-polluting vehicles entirely from these spaces. There are LEZs in London, Seoul and Brussels, among other cities of the world. The concerned vehicles can be private buses, public transport vans, small trucks and heavy-duty freight vehicles. According to ITDP, LEZs encourage cleaner mobility, reduce harmful pollution, and are often supported by improvements in public transport, walking, and cycling infrastructure.

A case study

When London mayor Ken Livingstone introduced LEZs in 33 boroughs of Greater London in 2008, the UK capital was among the most polluted in the world. Under the initiative, there was a charge on heavy polluting vehicles that wanted to enter the zone. This was a deterrent for older, polluting diesel lorries. In 2019, London introduced the ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ), which brought smaller vehicles, including cars, motorcycles and bikes, under the purview. London was targeting the problem of Nitrous Oxide as well, apart from PM.

There were naysayers and controversies towards the strategy. But, a study by the University of Bath in 2023 found that LEZ had helped reduce PM10 in Greater London by 13 per cent from 2008 to 2013. The introduction of ULEZ in central London had helped reduce Nitrogen Dioxide levels by 18.4 per cent in 2019. In short, Londoners were breathing cleaner air.

According to Siddharth Godbole, Senior Associate, ITDP India, the introduction of vehicle restriction measures by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to tackle its air pollution is a welcome step. “If LEZs are implemented in a city like Pimpri Chinchwad, it can help in reducing PM 2.5 emissions by almost 90% by restricting BS4 and below vehicles. Since LEZs are a fairly new concept for Indian cities, legalities, roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders need to be figured out,” says Godbole. There are discussions being held to smoothen the technology, payment, implementation, spatial and enforcement layers.

LEZs are still a new concept. In India, LEZ-like restrictions have been employed on a city level only in Delhi. “Delhi implemented LEZ-like restrictions through a supreme court ruling. For other cities, we would have to figure out legalities,” says Godbole.

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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