It is evident that air pollution in Kathmandu is getting worse over the years. With the steady rise in the growing number of vehicles, this federal capital city finds it challenging to tackle the air quality crisis. Air pollution has been a major challenge for Kathmandu residents as this invites a number of public health issues including respiratory ailments. Against this backdrop, the latest move of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) to conduct vehicle emission checks is a laudable effort. Mayor Balendra Shah has announced on social media that the metropolis has begun working with the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office (KVTPO) to address vehicle emissions, the most prominent contributor to air pollution in the capital. While the initiative taken by the metropolis is commendable, this raises uncomfortable questions about the duplicity and inefficiency of governmental bodies tasked with addressing this issue. The Pollution Control Division within the Department of Transport Management (DoTM) is entrusted with the responsibility to deal with the Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program. This body is mandated to set emission standards, conduct tests and issue certificates. A question arises here: Why is the DoTM not held accountable for its failure to deliver?
The initiative taken by the KMC under the leadership of Mayor Balen to control pollution highlights the recognition that urgent actions are needed to tackle the worsening air quality within Kathmandu Valley. The metropolis has taken the first step toward addressing this public health crisis at large by joining hands with the KVTPO to implement the standards outlined in the Environment and Natural Resource Act 2077 BS and other related regulations. These standards, such as the 4.5 percent carbon monoxide limit for older vehicles and the 65 Hartridge Smoke Unit (HSU) limit for newer diesel vehicles, provide measurable benchmarks for controlling pollution. Disseminating the information about these standards and taking concrete action to book violators is likely to send a strong message that pollution control is no longer negotiable. Mayor Balen has publicly called vehicle owners to repair and maintain their vehicles to ensure that their vehicles meet the prescribed emission standards. This highlights the need to take collective effort to tackle the air quality crisis—something we all need to support.
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While KMC’s initiative can be considered progressive, it highlights glaring holes in the existing system of governance. The DoTM under the Ministry of Physical Works and Transport Management is entrusted with the responsibility to conduct annual vehicle inspections and issue road fitness certificates. The KMC seems to have taken the initiative as the DoTM failed to fulfill its responsibility and help curb the vehicle pollution. But the duplicity of work between KMC and DoTM raises fundamental questions: Why does the KMC have to take the lead on an issue that clearly falls under the jurisdiction of the DoTM? What has the DoTM been doing with the resources and authority it has been entrusted with? Vehicles emitting thick clouds of black smoke remain a common sight on the streets of the capital city. This inefficiency has not only worsened air pollution but also eroded public confidence in public institutions. Instead of duplicating efforts, it is high time KMC and DoTM collaborated to streamline vehicle inspection processes, enforce emission standards uniformly and address the loopholes in existing policies. It is equally important to introduce long-term measures, such as incentivizing electric vehicles, promoting efficient public transport systems, and developing cycling and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to address this issue in a sustainable manner.
