Panel to study ways of reducing pollution by buses

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, AUG. 29. Some headway is being made at last to bring down the high noise levels and mitigate the toxic emissions by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses if the meeting of the officials of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), the Civil Supplies and the MTC with representatives from oil companies and consumer groups is any indication.

The impact of increasing automobile pollution caused by vehicles in poor condition and adulterated fuel, on the city dwellers' lungs was discussed and it was decided to constitute a high-level committee to study and suggest moves to reduce pollution caused by the city's 2,800 buses.

Increasing road traffic is coupled with MTC buses blaring air horns fitted to the vehicle, despite a ban within the city. ``How else can I get the traffic moving at the pace of bullock carts out of my way'', exclaims a driver impatiently when asked why he was using an air horn despite the ban.

However, as a driver on Route 2 A said, drivers have been advised to use the horn sparingly. ``It is four hours since I pressed it'', he claimed.

Addressing problems of health, the discussion aimed at creating an awareness on pollution-related problems for MTC crew at the TNPCB. Oil company representatives agreed that adulteration of petrol and diesel with kerosene and hexane was taking place by manipulating the plastic locks with which the fuel was sealed after supply by the oil companies.

MTC officials said that complaints regarding air and noise pollution by MTC buses could be lodged with the TNPCB Complaints Cell (2353153). The complaint would be referred to the MTC which would rectify the problem.

While air and noise pollution remains one of the major problems in MTC operation, another major concern is the maintenance of buses which adds to increased air pollution. Breakdowns are very common. A 6D bus from Toll Gate to Tiruvanmiyur (TNO1N1605), developed a snag in the right front wheel at Royapuram, and at Parrys Corner when the bus had hardly crossed half the distance to its destination, only two of the eight wheel nuts were found still in place. The passengers had to get off and the driver found that one nut had broken.

MTC has been adjudged the best transport corporation in the country by the Association of State Road Transport Undertakings, for its operational efficiency and fuel conservation. A meeting of Managing Directors of all transport corporations in the State would be held on Wednesday in Chennai.

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