(This story originally appeared in on Jun 28, 2016)

Over 62% of vehicles belonging to netas and babus fail pollution test miserab

Adulteration of fuel

'HOLD OFFICER IN-CHARGE RESPONSIBLE'

lyOfficials from the Joint Monitoring Committee have been assessing vehicular emission levels in the city over the last five days. Yesterday, however, they were in for a shock. While checking vehicles in Cubbon Park on Monday afternoon, the officials were surprised to find that government vehicles turned out to be the worst polluters within the Central Business District. Some vehicles had a smoke density of 99 per cent (the permissible level is 50 per cent).Of the 70 petrol-powered vehicles randomly tested, 50 failed the emission test conducted by committee members. Similarly, of the 33 diesel-powered vehicles tested, as many as 14 failed the test. In total, 70 per cent of the government vehicles failed the emission test, reflecting poorly on their maintenance regime.Commenting on the revelation, Lakshman, Chairman of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), said, "Government vehicles were checked for emission quality in and around Cubbon Park on Monday. It was shocking that many of them violated the norms due to poor maintenance. We will recommend suitable action to the government including banning of such pollution-causing vehicles."A surprising 71 per cent of diesel vehicles and 42 per cent petrol vehicles belonging to various departments of the government failed to keep their emission under permissible limits.A senior officer from the KSPCB, who was part of the drive, said, "The exhaust of some government vehicles was shocking. A 2013 sedan belonging to the Government of India had a 99 per cent smoke density. Similarly, a 2012 jeep belonging to the Wakf Board revealed 98.7 per cent. Another sedan was measured at 90 per cent. Among the petrol vehicles, the carbon monoxide content was triple the permissible levels."Narendra Holkar, joint commissioner, Transport Department, said, "The drive, spanning five days, was only a sample and random checking to collate details and submit it to the government for further action. The surprise checks on emission standards will continue not only in Bengaluru, but in other parts of the state too. In the coming days, more government vehicles will be tested for emission standards."With an increasing number of private taxis being added to Bengaluru's traffic every day, Ballari Road (Airport Road) is the most-polluted in the city. This is largely thanks to the poor maintenance of these taxis."On Airport Road alone, a whopping 65 per cent of Indica cabs are polluters. We have handed over the statistics to the Transport department for further action and based on the findings they can slap a penalty, or if the offence is repeated, they can suspend the licence too," Lakshman said.The weeklong drive has also revealed a startling truth that many vehicles, particularly cargo vehicles, have been using adulterated diesel that is available at cheaper rates. "The adulteration could be taking place at petrol stations or at a different source. But the samples of fuel drawn from these vehicles -- and tested in laboratories -- revealed kerosene being mixed with diesel. We will recommend to the Food and Civil Supplies department to initiate action against such stations and agencies that adulterate fuel," Lakshman said.Another scientific officer with the KSPCB said, "The vehicles that ply on Mysuru Road and Tumakuru Road tested positive for fuel adulteration. Diesel in these vehicles was mixed with solvents like benzene, varnish, and thinner that is available for Rs24 per litre. Due to the similar viscosity of these liquids, they blend well with diesel and will be difficult to identify using the naked eye."And even as the law-enforcing agencies are confused on whom to blame for increased pollution by government vehicles, the Federation of Drivers of State Government vehicles and Vehicles of Government Concern has said that the officers to whom the vehicles are allotted must be punished for violating the rules.Speaking to BM, MN Venugopal, President of the Federation, said, "There is absolutely no maintenance when it comes to government vehicles. Though the vehicles are scheduled for service after clocking 3,000 to 5,000 km, none of the vehicles are sent for service. Without timely service or change of engine oil and other lubricants, the exhaust system will have deposits of carbon, resulting in thick smoke. In every department, a deputy director or AEE level officer is appointed to oversee the maintenance of vehicles. But for the want of commission, they will send vehicles to some illegal mechanics rather than the showrooms, affecting the condition of vehicles. So in case of violation, the officer to whom the vehicle is allotted must be punished with penalty which must be recovered from the salaries."