Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Nov 3: Regional Transport Authority (RTA) on Tuesday November 3 commenced a month-long drive to reduce and control air pollution, at the RTA office here.

AGM of State Bank of India R N Kulkarni symbolically inaugurated the programme ‘Air pollution control month’ by lighting the lamp.

In his inaugural speech R N Kulkarni said, “Our country is suffering from pollution. In fact it has become the capital of pollution. About 10 lac people are losing their lives every year due to pollution in India. It is our responsibility to preserve and protect our environment. State and central governments alone cannot do this work. Cooperation from the public is necessary. Inhaling of polluted air has resulted in decreasing quality of life. We cannot eliminate pollution completely, but it can be reduced by taking necessary measures. We should keep our vehicles in good conditions thereby maintaining good health for ourselves. As a bank we are discouraging buying of second hand vehicles by imposing high interest rate on loans for such vehicles and less payback period. I request everyone to join hands with the RTO in protecting our environment from pollution."

Assistant regional transport officer G S Hegde, who presided over the programme, said, "The task of controlling air pollution is given to RTA because the highest air pollution is caused by vehicles. We cannot stop the registration of vehicles. There are about 4,000 vehicles registered every month at Mangaluru RTA. But necessary steps can be taken to protect the environment. Enforcement of rules is necessary but along with that concern from the public is also important. Out of the 30 polluted cities in the world, about 14 cities are in India."

"Good driving habits need to be followed. Keeping the engine off while the signal is off for more than a minute can contribute little to reduce pollution. We request everyone to conduct emission test and keep their vehicles in good condition so that the environment is protected," he added.

District pollution controlling officer Rajshekar Puranik said, "About 60% air pollution is done by vehicles and rest by the industries. We should try to use public transport. There are two types of pollution - air and noise - which occur due to vehicles. Government has taken necessary steps and public needs to cooperate to save the environment."

Aroor Kishore Rao unveiled the handbills on air pollution control.