Black smokes discharged by different old, unregistered and unfit vehicles are polluting environment in Sylhet city areas posing a serious threat to human health. ‘These vehicles have no valid route permits, fitness certificates and even driving licences, but are moving across the metropolitan areas, in violation of the existing Environmental Pollution Act,’ alleged president of SUJON Faruk Mahmud Chowdhury Despite presence of a law, according to which vehicles emitting black smokes must not ply the roads, numerous such vehicles are seen on the roads quite frequently. But, the traffic policemen for some unknown reasons were not showing any interest to carry out the order, he added. Old and rundown buses, trucks, cars, jeeps, auto-rickshaws, motorcycles and locally made vehicles plying different roads of the divisional headquarters are emitting black smokes causing serious health hazards to the public.
But the owners of vehicles take no precautionary measures to stop emission of smokes which is likely to cause high blood pressure, cancer, bronchial diseases and even heart and skin diseases.The school and college going students are worst sufferers,
local chest and asthma expert Dr Azir Uddin said. According to sources, power-tillers imported from abroad to be used in farmland are being used to carry goods after a little modification illegally.
Chairperson of Nagorik Forum, Sylhet Masud Khan opined that Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and police authorities are to look after this emission of black smokes and such vehicles cannot get fitness certificates from BRTA until and unless the engine is overhauled.
‘BRTA doesn’t care about public health. It issues fitness certificates without making sure that the vehicles are fit for the road,’ Qaiyum alleged. But Sylhet BRTA Assistant Director gave a counter version, saying, ‘We don’t issue fitness certificates for any vehicles without testing those.’
‘We will shortly launch a drive against the unfit ones,’ he added. He also said the police can fine if the vehicles emit black smokes under Section 15 up to Taka 200 but the traffic police have got special relation with the owners of vehicles and they ignore it for this cause.
Assistant Commissioner (Traffic) of Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP) said that about 1,500 to 2,500 unfit vehicles move on the city roads every day. He refuting the allegations said, ‘The drivers of unfit and date-expired vehicles are being fined regularly and we file cases against them.’
Environment expert and co-ordinator of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) Sylhet divisional unit Saheda Khatun said that with the black smoke about 15/20 kg lead is emitted everyday which is harmful for human body. Besides, vehicles emit 40/50 kg sulphur dioxide, 30 kg hydrocarbon and 50 kg carbon monoxide. Doctors say these are poisonous and disturb intake of oxygen in body.
In view of the situation, the authorities concerned have been urged to take necessary steps for preventing emission of smoke and help check the hazards for the sake of future generation
