Islamabad grapples with worsening air pollution linked to diesel vehicles

ISLAMABAD: A recent Environmental Monitoring Campaign conducted by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) and the Islamabad Traffic Police has unveiled alarming revelations about the severe air pollution plaguing the capital city.

In response to the worst fog witnessed in ages and a concerning surge in air pollution, the week-long Vehicular Emission Control and Monitoring Campaign, spanning from January 9 to 17, inspected over 380 vehicles across various categories.

The campaign identified diesel-powered heavy transport vehicles (HTV) as the primary contributors to the rising issue, with fines imposed on 27 per cent of the inspected vehicles.

During the rigorous testing, 105 fines were levied on vehicles exceeding the National Environmental Quality Standard (NEQS) emission levels by over 40 per cent against the Ringelmann scale.

The campaign’s primary focus was to address the growing concern about air pollution in Islamabad, especially caused by vehicular emissions during the dry spell of winter.

The survey aimed to ascertain the factual position of vehicular emissions and their contribution to the formulation of smog, exacerbating the ongoing fog episode.

Air pollution, a significant environmental issue, poses threats to human health, animals, and the overall ecosystem.

Vehicular emissions, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, particulate matter, and soot carbon, were identified as major contributors. Soot carbon, emitted predominantly from diesel vehicles, not only adds to air pollution but also poses severe health risks.

Citing Article 11 of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997, the authorities emphasised that no person is allowed to discharge any effluent, waste, air pollutant, or noise in excess of the National Environmental Quality Standard.

The strategically planned campaign covered seven locations across Islamabad, ensuring effective monitoring and control of vehicular emissions.

As Islamabad grapples with the dual challenges of intense fog and escalating air pollution, urgent measures are needed to address the root cause, particularly the unchecked emissions from diesel-powered vehicles.

The findings of the recent campaign underscore the need for immediate and comprehensive actions to mitigate the adverse impacts on the environment and public health.

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