Government vehicles beyond 15 years banned in Bihar

PATNA: Alarmed over the worsening air quality in Patna and other cities of Bihar, the state government on Monday banned government vehicles and state transport corporation buses more than 15 years old across the state and 15-year-old commercial vehicles in Patna and its neighbouring areas from Tuesday itself.
The decisions were taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar at his residence here on Monday.The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Patna was recorded at 413 on Sunday, bringing the state capital in the “severe” category. Though the air quality improved on Monday to 382 level, but still remained “very poor”.
The owners of 15-year-old private vehicles would have to take pollution under control (PUC) certificates for their vehicles. The government would launch special campaign from Tuesday to check PUC certificates of 15 years’ old private vehicles. Police and transport officials will also check whether three-wheelers or any other vehicles were using kerosene in lieu of diesel. Use of kerosene in vehicles causes more pollution.
“The ban on government and commercial vehicles will come into effect from tomorrow (Tuesday) itself. The government will issue necessary orders in this direction on Tuesday,” chief secretary Deepak Kumar told reporters soon after the meeting.
According to other decisions taken at the meeting, any construction works in the state capital will not be carried without proper covering. “Moreover, construction materials will be transported in covered vehicles to check the flow of dust,” the chief secretary said. In a PowerPoint presentation, the CM was informed that 32% of the air pollution in Patna was caused by vehicle emissions.
The government would ensure that guidelines for construction sites were followed at public projects while municipal corporations have been instructed to ensure the same with regard to private buildings, he said.