Smoky Vehicles Evade Pollution Checks

Heavy smoke emissions from certain vehicles are bypassing stringent pollution control measures, causing significant air quality concerns. Despite regulations and government initiatives promoting electric vehicles, pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides remain a threat. Health experts emphasize the dangers of prolonged exposure to polluted air, linking it to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. A scientific study identified Kozhikode as having particularly high nitric oxide levels, underscoring the need for better monitoring of pollution sources. The district registered over 1.7 million vehicles as of March 2025, highlighting the urgency for effective measures against vehicular pollution.

Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of current pollution checks, with some suggesting that authorities primarily verify PUC certificate expiry dates rather than their authenticity. Recommendations include the deployment of mobile emission testing units and automated enforcement mechanisms to improve compliance. Operators of testing centers in Kozhikode, however, assert that modern automated systems and centralized data uploads minimize opportunities for malpractice. Some residents' associations allege that heavily polluting vehicles are often involved in illegal activities and may operate with forged certificates, calling for targeted enforcement drives.