KSPCB on overdrive check air pollution in Bengaluru

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Bo­a­rd (KSPCB) is pulling up its socks to do all it can to control air pollution in the city.

“We have got the report of air pollution levels of Delhi before and after the introduction of odd-even scheme. We are yet to study it. Apart from this, we are also checking air pollution at various places to know the ground realities. Based on this, we will decide how to reduce air pollution,” KSPCB chairman Lakshman told Deccan Herald.

Mere introduction of Metro rail and increasing the number of buses will not help in reducing air pollution. More efforts are needed and this is the reason why we are looking at possible ways to reduce pollution. The odd-even scheme can be tried out, he said.

The KPSCB started checking vehicular emissions since June 16. Till date, they checked 1,500 vehicles and booked the owners. The biggest polluters, according to them are private buses, goods vehicles and taxis.

They found that, in most cases, emission test certificates are faulty. This clearly shows that emission testing centres are erring. Most of the polluting vehicles are diesel-operated, Lakshman said. On Tuesday, officials checked vehicles at Nelamangala toll booth. A total of 130 petrol and 59 diesel vehicles were checked.

Of this 13% petrol (17) vehicles  and 32% (19) diesel vehicles failed the emission test.

Overall, it has been noticed that 23% of diesel vehicles and 6-7% of petrol vehicles default. The KSPCB is planning to hold a meeting with the Transport department and fuel suppliers to check the quality of fuel. Checks on fuel stations are also needed, the chairman said.

A meeting with the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) will also be held to discuss on how to increase the number of CNG buses, Lakshman said. The KSPCB has floated tenders to purchase 12 emission testing mobile centres, each costing around Rs 4.5 crore.

These vehicles will ply across the city to check pollution levels from the first week of August. On highways and main roads, they will be stationed along with the interceptor vehicles of the traffic police to check pollution levels. The vehicle’s design is being prepared by Toyota and the final version will be decided after tenders are finalised.