Check pollution due to adulterated fuels in JK: EC

Srinagar, Sep 25 Expressing grave concern over vehicular pollution due to use of adulterated fuels in the state, the Environment Committee of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has called for coordinated efforts to address the issue.

The committee said which met under chairmanship of National Conference (NC) MLA Ali Mohammad Sagar said use of adulterated fuels has become the major source of environment pollution which has caused health problems to thousands of people in the State.

Most of the vehicles plying on National Highway and city roads are using adulterated fuel, it said adding in view of the alarming situation, the concerned agencies should make coordinated efforts to check this menace.

The EC reviewed the overall environment scenario in the state and efforts being made by various agencies to protect it from degradation.

The Committee directed the Chairman State Pollution Control Board and Secretary Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution to hold a meeting with concerned agencies and evolve a mechanism to check adulteration in petrol and diesel and submit a status report to the Committee in its next meeting.

This is a grave issue and efforts should be made in right earnest to address it quickly, the Committee maintained.

The Committee also stressed for strengthening the Pollution Checking Centers to ensure that only genuine people could get the certificates.

The Transport authority should monitor the performance of these centers and action as warranted under law be initiated against the defaulters and the Pollution Control Board should also reactivate its men and material to conduct frequent checks on vehicles and book them under law, the Committee stressed.

UNI