MPCB rolls up sleeves for smoke emission test
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 11 2013: Taking serious note of the growing noise level and emissions from vehicles in Imphal city, the Manipur Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has decided to launch smoke emission test on all types of vehicles at oil pumps starting from the current month.

After observing results of the smoke emission test, vehicles whose emissions are within the permissible limit would be pasted a sticker indicating that the vehicle is fit.

As for vehicles whose emissions are beyond the permissible limit, owners would be directed to repair and reduce the level of emission within seven days.

For stickers which would be pasted on fit vehicles, a nominal fee would be charged.

The stickers would remain valid for six months even though such stickers are valid for only three months in other States.

A smoke emitting vehicle

In addition to smoke emission test, noise level of all types of vehicles would be tested.

MPCB Chairman Dr Ng Bijoy told The Sangai Express that MPCB would take up necessary measures so that authorities concerned can take action against vehicles whose emissions and/or noise levels are beyond the permissible limits.

Notably, a large of vehicles including imported ones which are older than their standard life spans are running on the roads of Imphal.

Whether they are older than their standard life spans or not, emission from vehicles is a primary contributor of air pollution in Imphal as stated by an MPCB official earlier.

Since the last couple of years, diesel autos have been contributing immensely to the noise level of Imphal city.

The new initiative of MPCB would facilitate relevant authorities take up befitting action according to law against defaulting vehicles.

MPCB has no authority to take up action to penalise defaulting vehicles.

It is paving the way for relevant authorities, Dr Bijoy said.

In addition to Imphal city, the work of solid waste management for all district headquarters and small towns should be handled by Imphal Municipal Council, Nagar Panchayat and other local bodies.

Due legal actions can be initiated against local bodies which are not doing the sold waste management work properly under the Environment Protection Act 1986 .

Noting that solid waste management at Thangal Keithel, Paona Keithel and Lamlong Keithel are far from satisfactory, Dr Bijoy said that he would enquire the matter with relevant local bodies.