KATHMANDU: In a move to tackle vehicle pollution and improve air quality in the Kathmandu Valley, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, in collaboration with the Traffic Police, has launched a comprehensive vehicle pollution check program.
The initiative aims to identify and repair vehicles that exceed pollution limits and contribute to the growing environmental concerns.
The Metropolitan City has urged the public to check their vehicles’ emissions and ensure compliance with the recently enforced Environment and Natural Resources Act, Pollution Control Standards and Waste Collection and Transportation Procedures.
These new regulations are part of ongoing efforts to reduce pollution and promote environmental sustainability in the capital city.
Under the newly established Pollution Control Standards, separate emission thresholds have been set for petrol-powered and diesel-powered vehicles, with additional provisions based on the construction year.
For example, the carbon monoxide content in four-wheeled vehicles manufactured before 1980 must not exceed 4.5 percent, while for vehicles produced after 1981, the limit is reduced to 3 percent. Similarly, for three-wheeled vehicles produced before 1991, the carbon monoxide limit is 4.5 percent, and for two-wheelers, the same maximum applies.
In addition, diesel vehicles manufactured before 1994 are required to have a smoke density of no more than 75 Hertz Smoke Units (HSU), with newer vehicles (1995 and later) being subject to a stricter limit of 65 HSU. Vehicles found with higher emissions than the prescribed levels during inspections will be deemed non-compliant with the standards.
Authorities have emphasized that this initiative is critical for mitigating pollution levels in the valley, which has long been a concern for residents and environmentalists.
The program encourages vehicle owners to take the necessary steps to ensure their vehicles are running efficiently and within the environmental guidelines.
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City is committed to improving air quality and fostering a cleaner, healthier urban environment for its residents. The vehicle pollution check is one of several measures being introduced to tackle the city’s pollution crisis, alongside efforts to promote public transportation and reduce overall emissions.
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