Joint campaign to monitor

Joint campaign to monitor
pollution levels in city soon

Volunteers will initially help commuters to get emission test done

Bosky Khanna. Bangalore
In an effort to lower vehicular pollution levels in the city, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and the transport department are joining hands to monitor emission levels of vehicles.
HC Sharatchandra, KSPCB's chairman, said increasing level of green house gases was contributing to global warming and it was high time to take tough action against the polluters.
"We are seeking the help of the transport department to monitor the pollution levels of vehicles coming into the city and also the ones in the city outskirts.
"We plan to start the drive at the earliest. The aim is to ensure that all vehicles meet the Euro-3 or Bharat-3 standards to help improve the air quality. All vehicles, including heavy duty vehicles, will be checked.
The emission test is also part of an awareness campaign initiated by KSPCB, along with the transport and home guards departments. A detailed awareness and implementation campaign is being planned to decrease the levels vehicular pollution in the city.
To begin with, in the first month, people will be made aware of the hazards of not testing their vehicle. Volunteers will also help commuters get the emission test done. In the subsequent weeks, if the norms are not adhered to by motorists, fines would be imposed as per the Motor Vehicle Act.
A proposal is also being chalked out for government clearance to keep old vehicles off the city roads.