Govt ready to welcome pollution testing centres in city

SHILLONG: With the steady rise in the number of vehicles adding to the air pollution levels in the city, Transport Minister HDR Lyngdoh has said that the government will be more than happy to grant permission to any party wishing to set up pollution testing centres.
Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, Lyngdoh also expressed grave concern over the rising air pollution levels in the city.
“It is evident that many vehicles in the city emit smoke much beyond the permissible limit which affects the health of the citizens.
“However, enforcement inspectors of the department (Transport) along with police conduct checking to ensure that vehicles do not emit smoke beyond the permissible limit,” Lyngdoh said adding that pollution testing centres will function under the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board.
Vehicular pollution caused due to exhaust emissions comes under the purview of Rule 115 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, which specifies emission limits for all petrol and diesel-driven vehicles.
Lyngdoh said he would review the matter in a few days’ time and the department would be asked to take necessary measures to ensure that vehicular pollution does not exceed the permissible limit.