When Most Vehicles Pollute, Enforcement Can’t Be Optional

Thanks to pleasant weather conditions, the Kathmandu Valley is currently more liveable in terms of weather than the southern plain districts. While a cool wave is blowing across the plains, Kathmandu—though slightly cold—benefits from bright sunshine throughout the day, making the chill easier to bear. Yet pollution continues to take a toll on public health. On December 22, a daytime pollution test conducted in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, found 50 vehicles emitting smoke above permissible limits, leading to enforcement action. Alarmingly, out of just 59 vehicles inspected, as many as 50 failed to meet emission standards. The inspection was carried out by a joint team from the Department of Environment, Babarmahal and the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office. Similarly, during a spot pollution check conducted on Monday afternoon this week along the Airport Gate road section in Kathmandu, 32 vehicles were penalised for excessive emissions. Of the 56 vehicles inspected, 32 were found to be emitting smoke beyond prescribed limits. The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police (KVTP) Office regularly publicises such inspections and their results through its official Facebook page. The KVTP has also been urging drivers to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained, warning that operating vehicles emitting excessive smoke not only worsens air pollution and poses serious risks to human health but also increases the likelihood of accidents. This initiative is commendable. However, sporadic enforcement alone is clearly insufficient.