In an effort to address the increasing air pollution in the valley, a free vehicle emission testing event was held near Tribhuvan Park in Chandragiri Municipality on the 29th and 30th of May and vehicles that passed the emission test were given Green Stickers. 100 vehicles were tested in the 2 days camp out of which 56 vehicles passed the emission test and 25 vehicles that did not have green stickers received green stickers. This initiative was organized by Chandragiri Municipality in collaboration with USAID Clean Air, Vehicle Fitness Test Center (VFTC) of the Department of Transport Management, Nepal Traffic Police, and other key stakeholders.
Vehicles are a major source of air pollution in Kathmandu Valley. Some of the major reasons for higher vehicle emission include not servicing the vehicle on time, poor engine condition, clogged air filters, problems in parts like the ignition coil, spark plug, electric circuit, and electronic fuel injection (EFI) system, an imbalanced ratio of air and fuel, poor performance of the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, low performance of the catalytic converter, use of low-quality fuel and lubricants, and issues with the turbocharger and supercharger. Vehicles emit gases such as Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Nitrous Oxides (N2O), Methane (CH), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Hydrocarbon (HC), Particulate Matter (PM), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) which have adverse effects on human health. Regularly testing vehicle condition and performing servicing of vehicles can help to control air pollution.
Every year millions of people lose their lives due to air pollution. Pollution from vehicle emissions significantly affects fatalities. Our coming generations will also face chronic diseases if the impact of air pollution is neglected. However, air pollution can be decreased by prioritizing vehicle maintenance and using quality fuel.
Speaking about the vehicle test, Mayor of the Chandragiri Municipality Ghanashyam Giri said, “Vehicle emission is one of the major sources of air pollution and this kind of test was much needed in Chandragiri Municipality. I am sure this test campaign will be a massive help to reduce air pollution in Kathmandu and we are also looking forward to organizing more such campaigns in future. We have requested the traffic police to divert the vehicles emitting black smoke into the testing station for the event.”
Deputy Mayor of the Chandragiri Municipality Bashanti Shrestha stated that this just a model which has been initiated and must be replicated in all the municipalities and districts for clean environment. She also mentioned that whenever she notices air pollution, she immediately takes the initiative to stop that. For instance, once, she saw some students burning waste and immediately had them extinguish the flame.
Bhushan Tuladhar, Chief of Party from USAID Clean Air stated: “USAID Clean Air is committed to supporting Nepal in its efforts to combat air pollution and promote sustainable urban environment. This free vehicle emission testing event is a significant step towards cleaner air and a healthier environment for the residents of Chandragiri Municipality. We encourage all vehicle owners to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure their vehicles are eco-friendly and compliant with emission standards.”
DSP Surya Prakash Subedi stated that this is a good start for testing vehicles for the second time. He said, “I hope there is a laboratory established for the same in the municipality.”
The two-day event provide vehicle owners with a complimentary assessment of their vehicle emissions, offering an opportunity to identify and address potential pollution issues. By ensuring vehicles meet emission standards, this initiative supports cleaner air and a healthier community.
Cars, buses, trucks, and heavy vehicles were tested amid the two-day-long vehicle emission test. The emission tests are free of charge and aim to foster greater awareness and responsibility towards maintaining vehicle health and reducing harmful emissions that contribute to air pollution. Participants of the test will not only get the report of the test, but, if their vehicle passes the test, they get green stickers and if the vehicles do not pass the emission test, they receive counseling on what can be done to make their vehicle compliant to the emission standards set by the government of Nepal.
The USAID Clean Air Program is dedicated to improving air quality through initiatives aimed at reducing emissions from various sources. The program includes efforts to promote pollution-free transportation options, support policies for air quality improvement, and engage communities in actions to reduce air pollution.
