Reducing vehicle emissions

During a recent workshop on air pollution in Peshawar, speakers urged transporters, motorists, and the public to support the government in reducing air pollution. Given that Lahore and Karachi have ranked among the most polluted cities in the world and recorded poor air quality, steps to monitor and control vehicular air pollution are crucial. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) has already established nine vehicle testing stations in different districts of the province along with 14 mobile laboratories.

This is helping the province measure the vehicles’ emissions and if smoke levels of any vehicle exceed the prescribed national environmental standards, it is fined, and the documents are confiscated. A team of expert technicians at the Vehicles Emissions Testing Stations also informs the vehicle owners of the defects and their rectification. Other provincial governments must learn from the success of K-P and adopt similar measures to alleviate vehicular emissions and reduce the likelihood of smog during the winters. Also, Lahore, Peshawar and more recently Karachi have introduced Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, which the public should be encouraged to use.

To ease people’s concerns, provincial governments and municipal administrations should ensure safe and secure travel conditions. Increased use of mass transit can significantly reduce vehicular traffic on the roads, in turn reducing emissions. Globally many countries have switched to electric mass transit systems that have helped curb air pollution and reduce traffic congestion. The Ministry of Climate Change must work with other government departments to invest in electric vehicles and introduce mass transit systems in all major cities and towns. Importantly, the public should be informed of the harmful effects of vehicular emissions on the environment, individual health, the agriculture sector, etc. Without reducing vehicular emissions, we will achieve little progress in tackling climate change and environmental degradation.