Drive against smoke-emitting vehicles launched
The Sindh Environment Protection Agency (EPA) launched a daylong campaign against smoke-emitting vehicles in an effort to curb environmental pollution in the metropolitan city. As part of the initiative, the emission of smoke from vehicles was measured, and those found exceeding the prescribed limits had their vehicles confiscated.
Vehicles emitting both smoke and excessive noise contribute significantly to the escalating environmental pollution in the city. The EPA has initiated this campaign to curb pollution and enhance public awareness.
As a crucial aspect of the campaign, the quantity of smoke emitted by vehicles was assessed on Tuesday at three locations, utilising advanced equipment and smog analysers. Teams stationed at KPT Bridge, Safoora, and near Qayyumabad roundabout conducted on-the-spot inspections of public and commercial vehicles.
White stickers were affixed to vehicles emitting more than the permissible amount of smoke, while green stickers were applied to those emitting within the prescribed limits. Vehicles emitting an exceptionally high volume of smoke were handed over to the traffic police for necessary legal actions.
Read Clampdown on smoke-emitting vehicles intensifies
Naeem Sheikh, an EPA inspector overseeing the inspections on KPT Bridge, said that in addition to monitoring vehicle emissions, the noise generated by running vehicles is also being measured. Vehicles exceeding the specified smoke limits are granted a 15-day period to rectify engine and silencer issues.
Sheikh further emphasised that health data of drivers is being compiled, as vehicles emitting excessive smoke pose a threat not only to the health of citizens and passengers but also to the drivers as well.
Concerned citizens have identified smoke-emitting vehicles as a major hazard to public health and the environment. They advocate for a permanent solution to address the issue of smoke-emitting vehicles. Pakistan is one of the countries most affected by climate change, with Karachi ranking among the three most polluted cities globally.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 27th, 2023.