Kathmandu, January 24
A pollution test conducted by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has revealed that 60% of vehicles in the city fail to meet pollution standards.
Out of 292 vehicles tested, 174 were found to exceed acceptable pollution limits. Among these, 14 out of 71 petrol-powered vehicles and 160 out of 221 diesel-powered vehicles failed the test.
The KMC initiated the testing to reduce the impact of vehicular emissions on air quality. Officials have advised owners of non-compliant vehicles to undertake necessary repairs to meet the prescribed standards.
This ongoing awareness campaign, launched on January 13, aims to encourage compliance. The KMC has warned that stricter measures, including a ban on operation, will be enforced against vehicles that fail to meet standards even after being given an opportunity to rectify issues.
The tests have been conducted in areas including Koteshwar, Durbar Marg, Balkhu along the Ring Road, Babar Mahal, Teku, Sukedhara, Sinamangal, Panipokhari, and Jamal.
Non-compliant vehicles include public transport buses, school buses, government-owned Bolero SUVs, and goods-carrying trucks.
The KMC’s Environment Management Department is collaborating with the Department of Environment, the Valley Traffic Police Office, and the Metropolitan Police Force to implement the testing program effectively.
