KARACHI, May 10: The Space and Upper Atmospheric Research Commission (Suparco) has been appointed as consultant to the Transportation and Communication Department, city government for undertaking feasibility study and development of transportation control plan of the metropolis.

The main objective of the feasibility study is to evolve a strategy to deal with environmental issues related to fuel and vehicular emissions with the prime objective of providing a clean environment, and thus minimizing health hazards emanating from air and noise pollution.

Suparco is at present engaged in using its mobile laboratory to establish a baseline with respect to pollution created by vehicles, and will record pollution level at 26 traffic-congestion points all over the city.

Besides, other major tasks of the project also include measurement of performance of vehicle engines; electronic tuning of buses, minibuses, cars, station wagons, motorcycles and rickshaws; and, health impact survey and evaluation of pathological parameters of residents at 26 observation points.

A survey for assessing impact of petrol, diesel, LPG and CNG by vehicles; impact of pollution by vehicles on the physical environment; and identification of cultural practices in vehicle operations, highlighting their contribution to the socioeconomic and environmental problems of the city are also part of the project.

It would also propose remedial measures and course of action to control pollution; develop a mechanism to monitor the performance of vehicles; and systems of their repair, maintenance and inspection.

It will also identify the need to have an academy for training drivers and mechanics, and estimate the degree of reduction in the net pollution load of the city.

Suparco’s mobile laboratory has already initiated its survey work at the city’s busy traffic intersections.

The City Nazim, Niamatullah Khan, on Tuesday inspected the working of the mobile laboratory at the Board Office Chowrangi intersection.

He said that air and sound pollution were posing serious health threats for citizens, adding that it was necessary to amend prevalent laws to check the rising pollution.

The nazim was told that the feasibility report would be prepared in the light of data collected by the mobile laboratory, which would lead to the formation of a comprehensive transportation control plan.

The EDO Transport, Dr Tahir Soomro, told Mr Niamat that the Transportation and Communication Department would consider the findings and suggestions of the feasibility report in its next meeting.

He informed that the urban traffic control system was being implemented to improve the traffic signal system.

He said the mobile laboratory had already completed surveys at various intersections including at Karimabad, Liaquatabad No 10, Teen Hatti, Old Numaish, Garden Road intersection, Tibet Centre, Maulvi Mussafirkhana, Tower, Empress Market, Preedy Street intersection, Zebunissa Road, and I.I. Chungridar Road. Surveys at Sohrab Goth, Gulbai, Mauripur Road and Gulshan Chowrangi would also be conducted.

The nazim was told that blood samples of pedestrians, shopkeepers, drivers and traffic policemen were taken during the survey to monitor the level of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide in their bodies.

The mobile laboratory would also monitor the adverse affects of air and sound pollution on water, air, earth, trees and human health. It would submit its monthly report to the Transportation and Communication Department.

He was told that traffic was being monitored with the help of modern cameras, while a computerized system was reporting the levels of air and sound pollution after every 15 minutes.

Dr Badr Khan Ghori, Deputy Chief Manager of the project told the nazim that the important study would also help in future legislation regarding environmental and traffic issues.

Suparco chairman Maj-Gen (Retd) Raza Hassan suggested that all vehicles in the country should be converted to CNG to reduce air pollution.

The Director General, Mass Transit, Malik Zaheerul Islam, Director General Suparco Arshad Siraj, District Officer Planning and Design Haider Ali, Dr Arshad Ali Baig, Sajjid Ahmed and others also present.—PPI