With most of the vehicles playing a major role in the ascendance of air pollution, the Department of Transport Management (DOTM) is preparing to implement vehicle emissions standards throughout the country to address the problem.
At this time, DOTM has only two emission testing machines in operation; the first one in Ekantakuna office and another at the Vehicle Fitness Test Centre in Teku, Kathmandu. However, to further solidify the test and implement this parameter DOTM has decided to purchase 40 sets of devices. After sufficient equipment and manpower, the Transport Management office is planning to enforce vehicle emissions standards throughout the nation.
Vehicles without a green sticker won’t be allowed to enter Kathmandu valley, Pokhara and Lumbini.
The main objective of vehicle emissions regulation is to control the air pollution mainly caused by the harmful gases emitted by vehicles. The new regulation is expected to come into effect from March next year with 19 offices located throughout the country ready to conduct the emissions test.
On the other hand, the DOTM will issue green stickers for vehicles that have passed the emissions test. In the first period, the green sticker provision will be implemented in the Kathmandu valley, Pokhara, and Lumbini. Vehicles without a green sticker won’t be allowed to enter these valleys.
As of now, the green sticker provision is mandatory only for those vehicles entering Singha Durbar, Tribhuvan International Airport, and Putalisadak road.
According to the small test conducted by the officials, the majority of old vehicles — especially public buses — had emissions level higher than the standards set by the Government of Nepal.
