CAG lashes out at West Bengal govt on polluting vehicles

Kolkata, July 28 (UNI) The Comptroller and Auditor General has lashed out at the West Bengal government for its failure to prevent pollution caused by Calcutta State Transport Corporation. (CSTC) and other state transport corporations.

A CAG report says, ''In contravention of the legal provisions, air horns were used by CSTC, NBSTC and SBSTC causing sound pollution.'' While SBSTC said they would be replacing the horns, CSTC and NBSTC ''stated that the drivers of the buses purchased and fitted airhorns at their own risk and cost.'' This indicated the absence of efffective supervision by the managements, the report said.

The report also said in violation of the legal provisions, 40 to 100 per cent buses use airhorns.

Pollution contributed to higher incidence of gastric and respiratory ailments, deafness, occupational and industrial health hazards etc. During the calendar year 2000-04, the incidence of gastro-enteric and respiratory ailments in the state had increased by 132 and 162 per cent respectively while mortality increased by 45 to 62 per cent respectively.

UNI JYN SJC SP SSC1143