UT Matters | Unchecked vehicular pollution a cause for concern
The Hindu
Poor enforcement of emission standards, shortage of manpower, badly planned bus services are some of the major contributors to the problem
Unchecked pollution from vehicles, including those owned by government departments, old and condemned private vehicles, has resulted in deterioration of air quality in the city, posing a health hazard.
In spite of Puducherry having over 15 emission testing centres, there are vehicles, which are too old to be roadworthy but are used here with impunity. Government vehicles, especially buses, compactors, old tempos and cars more than two decades old, have been a major source of pollution in the town. A large number of two-stroke engines continue to operate, contributing significantly to air pollution, planners say.
“The vehicles have poor fuel-efficiency and release semi-combusted fumes. On Kamaraj Salai, one can spot the movement of compactors with high emission of black smoke while collecting garbage from the town,” an urban planner said. “Strangely, such vehicles continue to operate without any trouble. A majority of them do not even bother to get their emissions checked. Public transport plays an effective role in curbing pollution, and the time has come to encourage environment friendly transport systems,” he added.