The Hindu Business Line : AP Transport Dept nod for pollution testing centres

IN its efforts to curb growing air pollution in the State, especially in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, the State Transport Department has decided to allow private entrepreneurs to establish pollution testing stations.

As the present infrastructure was inadequate to do the testing and issue pollution under control (PUCs) certificates, the Department has licensed 305 private testing centres in the State.

Another measure is the setting up of two centres with computerised network at the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) at Hyderabad on a pilot scale with a view to expand to all licensed centres in the private sector in future. This would be facilitated by amending the existing Andhra Pradesh Motor Vehicle Rules.

A month ago, the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu, launched mobile task forces, which were equipped to undertake on the spot testing.

The Department has also started using holograms as a security measure by affixing them on every fresh document issued by all the subordinate officers in the State. The measure was aimed at arresting possible misuse of documents such as permits, registration certificate and driving licences.

The Fully Automated Services of Transport (FAST) initiative is also expected to cover the entire department operations by computerising the balance eight RTO/DTC offices in the State by end of October. Currently, 27 RTO/DTC's have been computerised and networked.

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AP Transport Dept nod for pollution testing centres