174 Vehicles Fail Pollution Test in Kathmandu

A recent pollution test conducted by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) revealed that 174 out of 292 vehicles failed to meet pollution control standards, accounting for 60% of the tested vehicles.

Among the 292 vehicles inspected, 14 of the 71 petrol-powered vehicles and 160 of the 221 diesel-run vehicles failed the test, according to KMC Assistant Spokesperson Dhurba Kumar Kafle. The tests were conducted following the Environment and Natural Resources Act, 2077 BS, the Pollution Control Standards, 2081 BS, and the Waste Collection and Transportation Procedure, 2081 BS.

The KMC has ramped up vehicle inspections as part of its efforts to reduce vehicular pollution in the city. Vehicle owners whose vehicles failed the test have been instructed to repair their vehicles within a specified timeframe and ensure they meet the required standards before resuming operations.

The KMC has announced plans to take strict action against vehicles that do not comply with pollution standards, including halting their operation. However, vehicle owners are first being given an opportunity to make necessary improvements through an ongoing awareness campaign that began on January 13.

Pollution tests have been conducted on petrol and diesel vehicles operating in areas such as Koteshwor, Durbar Marg, Chakrapath, Balkhu, Babarmahal, Teku, Sukedhara, Sinamangal, Panipokhari, and Jamal. Vehicles that failed the test include public transport buses, school buses, government jeeps, and trucks.

The pollution testing initiative is being led by KMC’s Department of Environment Management in collaboration with the Department of Environment, the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, and the Metropolitan Police Force. This effort aims to improve air quality in the city and reduce the adverse impacts of vehicular pollution on public health and the environment.