Free vehicle emission test held in Chandragiri

KATHMANDU: In an effort to combat the rising air pollution in Kathmandu Valley, Chandragiri Municipality held a free vehicle emission testing event near Tribhuvan Park on May 29-30.

Vehicles that passed the emission test were awarded Green Stickers. During the two-day event, 100 vehicles were inspected, with 56 passing the emission test. Moreover, 25 vehicles that previously did not have stickers were given green stickers.

This initiative was led by Chandragiri Municipality, in collaboration with USAID Clean Air, the Vehicle Fitness Test Centre (VFTC) of the Department of Transport Management, Nepal Traffic Police, and other key stakeholders.

Vehicles are a major source of air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley. The main factors contributing to increased vehicle emissions include delayed vehicle servicing, poor engine condition, blocked air filters, problems with components such as the ignition coil, spark plug, electrical circuit, and electronic fuel injection (EFI) system, an imbalanced air-fuel ratio, poor performance of the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, inefficient catalytic converter, use of low-quality fuel and lubricants, and issues with the turbocharger and supercharger.

Vehicles emit harmful gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxides (N2O), methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), particulate matter (PM), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and sulphur dioxide (SO2), which have adverse effects on human health. Regular checks on vehicle condition and servicing can help control air pollution.

Every year, millions of lives are lost due to air pollution. Vehicle emissions significantly contribute to these fatalities. If the impact of air pollution is ignored, future generations may also suffer from chronic diseases. However, air pollution can be reduced by prioritising vehicle maintenance and using high-quality fuel.

Speaking about the vehicle test, Chandragiri Municipality Mayor Ghanashyam Giri said, "Vehicle emissions are a major source of air pollution, and this type of test was much needed in our municipality. I am confident that this test campaign will significantly help reduce air pollution in Kathmandu, and we are also planning to organise more such campaigns in the future. We have requested the traffic police to divert vehicles emitting black smoke to the testing station for the event."

Chandragiri Municipality Deputy Mayor Basanti Shrestha stated that this is just a model that has been initiated and should be replicated across all municipalities and districts for a cleaner environment. She also mentioned that she takes immediate action whenever she notices air pollution. For instance, once, she saw some students burning waste and immediately had them extinguish the fire.

Bhushan Tuladhar, Chief of Party from USAID Clean Air, said, "USAID Clean Air is committed to supporting Nepal in its efforts to combat air pollution and promote a 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 a laboratory is established for the same in our municipality.”

The two-day event provided 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 in the two-day event. 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 receive the report of the test, but if their vehicle passes the test, they are awarded green stickers. If the vehicles do not pass the emission test, they receive counselling on what can be done to make their vehicle compliant with the emission standards set by the government of Nepal.

The USAID Clean Air Programme is dedicated to improving air quality through initiatives aimed at reducing emissions from various sources. The programme includes efforts to promote pollution-free transportation options, support policies for air quality improvement, and engage communities in actions to reduce air pollution.