Pak-EPA and Islamabad Traffic Police Conduct Joint Operation to Monitor Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicle Emissions

To evaluate compliance with the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) for motor vehicle exhaust and noise, the compliance monitoring team of Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) conducted an extensive monitoring activity in collaboration with the Islamabad Traffic Police at a traffic choke point in Sector I-11, near Mandi Mor/Carriage Factory Stop.  
The primary objective of the activity was to assess the exhaust emissions of heavy-duty diesel vehicles and obtain first-hand data regarding vehicular emissions in reference to NEQS standards. During the monitoring exercise, exhaust emissions of fifty heavy-duty diesel vehicles were tested for smoke opacity.  
Findings revealed that eleven vehicles exceeded the permissible NEQS limits, indicating that 20% of the inspected vehicles were non-compliant. Consequently, fines totaling Rs. 10,000 were imposed under the “Compounding of Offense and Administrative Penalty Rules, 2015”. Drivers of the non-compliant vehicles were instructed to have their cars properly tuned and maintained to minimize emissions.  
This inspection marks a significant step under Pak-EPA’s short-term strategy, implemented in partnership with the Islamabad Traffic Police, to control vehicular emissions and combat air pollution, including smog, within the Islamabad Capital Territory.  
It is noteworthy that Pak-EPA has, for the first time in its history, issued challan forms directly to violators of motor vehicle exhaust standards. The collected fines will be deposited under the Clean Environment Fund. Previously, the Islamabad Traffic Police were solely responsible for issuing such challans.  
Pak-EPA remains committed to implementing effective measures to reduce air pollution and ensure compliance with environmental standards for a cleaner and healthier Islamabad.