KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office has taken action against 37 vehicles emitting excessive smoke and contributing to air pollution across the Valley.
According to the Traffic Police, the vehicles—16 passenger buses, 14 pickup vans, four school buses, two private cars, and one rental car—were seized during inspections at various locations.
Superintendent of Police Naresh Raj Subedi, the office spokesperson, said the vehicles were found operating without inspection and in poor condition. Legal action will be taken under the Vehicle and Transport Management Act, 2049 BS.
Senior Superintendent of Police Nawaraj Adhikari, Chief of the Valley Traffic Police Office, stated that the campaign aims to curb air pollution and reduce accident risks caused by poorly maintained vehicles. He urged vehicle owners to conduct regular technical inspections and ensure repairs before operating their vehicles.
The police confirmed that seized vehicles will be released only after necessary repairs and payment of fines. In recent months, the Valley Traffic Police has intensified monitoring and awareness campaigns focusing on vehicle condition checks, emission control, and timely inspection renewals, particularly targeting older petrol and diesel vehicles.
Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that old, smoke-emitting vehicles are a major contributor to Kathmandu’s worsening air pollution, posing serious health risks to children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses.
The Traffic Police Office is now planning to introduce a mobile emission testing unit to strengthen on-site monitoring. Officials said that such campaigns will continue with stricter enforcement and urged public cooperation to improve air quality and ensure safer road conditions in the Valley.
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