The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Networking snag hits pollution testing centres

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Tuesday, May 06, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Networking snag hits pollution testing centres

S. Sandeep Kumar

RTA unable to keep tab on centres as records not updated

A FILE PHOTO

CAUSE FOR CONCERN: A technician tests a two-wheeler for emission levels at a mobile pollution checking unit.

HYDERABAD: Blame it on poor monitoring by Regional Transport Authority (RTA) or inefficiency on the part of pollution testing centres to update records; vehicles with high emission levels continue to ply unchecked in twin cities. The testing centres seldom submit details of the vehicles appearing for tests to the RTA.

In its bid to control and monitor pollution testing centres, RTA had linked testing centres in a computerised network. But, since couple of months, the testing centres are not updating records due to a networking snag. Because of the failed network, even the RTA is unable to keep a tab on manipulations, if any, done by testing centres

“It’s mandatory for all pollution testing centres to submit such details. However, not many centres adhere to these rules. While, some centres issue fake Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates, others issue such certificates even without conducting mandatory tests,” says a senior transport official.

140 centres

There are over 140 computerised pollution testing centres, including 60 mobile testing centres in twin cities. Despite a reasonable network of such testing centres, the fact remains that there is no authentic certification mechanism for vehicles.

Raids

However, Joint Transport Commissioner, B. Venkateswarlu informed that six pollution testing centres were raided since last month on the charges of issuing fake certificates, indulging in malpractices and even operating without valid license.

“We are working overtime to fix the snags developed in the networking software and we are hoping that the situation will be sorted out shortly,” he said.

The Joint Commissioner pointed out that lack of manpower is also a reason for poor monitoring of pollution testing centres.

“In the absence of exclusive squads to monitor vehicular emissions, keeping a check on those vehicles is tough,” he said.

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