Dahal accuses police of allowing non-compliant vehicles

KATHMANDU: Devendra Dahal, the Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, has accused the police of accepting bribes to allow vehicles that do not meet standards to operate, which he claims is causing damage to public property.

Dahal also raised concerns about the lack of cooperation from the police in enforcing air pollution standards.

In recent days, with the air quality deteriorating due to pollution, Minister Dahal stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs had not provided sufficient support in controlling smoke pollution caused by vehicles.

While discussing the issue with representatives from the National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs at Singha Durbar on Monday, Minister Dahal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing the existing air pollution standards.

“The government has set various standards, but non-compliant vehicles continue to operate on highways,” Minister Dahal said. “Some vehicles are emitting excessive smoke, while others are overloaded. The police are responsible for directly monitoring and enforcing these standards, but we are not receiving the necessary cooperation from them.”

The minister revealed that a working committee had been formed to study the weight of cargo vehicles, and solutions would be based on the committee’s report.

He emphasized the need to stop vehicles operating against the standards in order to prevent further damage to public infrastructure.

“We have not received support from the Nepal Police. In this matter, we may have to engage directly with the Ministry of Home Affairs,” he added. “Such corruption, where overloaded and non-compliant vehicles are allowed to operate for bribes, is causing damage to public property. I am committed to addressing this issue and eliminating such corruption.”