Islamabad:UNS– Following the Wafaqi Mohtasib’s intervention and notice of long queues of vehicles in Islamabad’s Red Zone for emission testing and consequent inconvenience to citizens, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), operating under the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination has submitted a comprehensive plan of action for vehicular emission control in the federal capital area. The Organization has also addressed the issue of congestion due to rush of vehicles, in coordination with the ICT administration.
It may be recalled that some weeks earlier, a number of concerned citizens had approached the office of Wafaqi Mohtasib, urging him to take notice of the situation arising out of the long queues of vehicles in an area close to the Parliament and other important buildings of the federal capital. He, subsequently summoned senior officials of the EPA & ICT and instructed them to resolve the issue for easing the congestion. He also advised that the objective be achieved in a more systemic and organized manner, without bothering the ordinary citizens.
The action plan submitted in pursuance of the Mohtasib’s directions, envisages a public awareness campaign, third party verification, emission compliance certification, heavy transport checking etc. in the short term to address the growing challenge of controlling vehicular emission in Islamabad. It will specifically target the diesel engine driven old public transport, whereas, in the long term, the plan suggests an electric vehicle promotion programme, including an EV charging infrastructure network, a mandatory 10% EV quota for government fleets and alike.
The proposed strategies, if implemented in letter and spirit, will result in dealing with the pressing issue of pollution in a comprehensive manner. This will also involve greater coordination between EPA and ICT in avoiding hardship to citizens and improving quality of air index.