RAWALPINDI: Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Liaquat Ali Chatha along with Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema inaugurated the Vehicle Inspection and Certification System in Siham Bus Depot.

On this occasion, a briefing was given to the commissioner on the working of thessytem.

It was informed that wheel alignment, suspension, brake inspection, tyre, appearance test, headlight, seat-belt check, engine sound and smoke test will be conducted during the vehicle inspection. The fitness test will be mandatory every six months.

Speaking on the occasion, the commissioner said the activation of vehicle fitness certification system was a milestone. This will reduce pollution.

“The fitness certification system is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.It is the need of the hour to implement a modern system of vehicle fitness certification. The fitness of passenger and freight vehicles will be done through advanced technology,” he said.

He said only vehicles of required quality will be provided fitness certificates.

“Fitness certificate is very important for road safety and it will reduce accidents. Fitness certification will provide complete vehicle condition awareness. Overcharging for fitness certificate will not be tolerated.”

The commissioner said all transport unions should be taken into confidence in this regard.

Meanwhile, presiding over a meeting of the environment committee, the commissioner told the environment department that generation of economic activities in the current situation was important, so their approval should not be delayed due to unnecessary or minor objections.

He directed that for setting up petrol filling stations and poultry farms, it was necessary to deposit 1000 saplings or Rs20,000 with the Forest Department which would plant the saplings around the premises of the stations.

He directed that no petrol filing station, poultry farm, cold storage or any other outlet should be allowed to operate until the non-objection certificate (NOC) was cleared from the environmental point of view.

“Competent authorities must fulfil all formalities and ensure that these projects have minimal impact on the surrounding population and environment,” he said.

He recommended that NOC should also be taken from the surrounding population and especially the neighbours.

Dean of Environment Science at Fatima Jinnah Women University Dr Azra Uzair, Deputy Director Environment Adeel Hashmi and other relevant officers participated in the meeting.

A total of 49 cases were presented in the meeting of the Environment Approval Committee, out of which 26 were from Rawalpindi district, five from Jhelum, 15 from Attock and three from Chakwal. The commissioner deferred 12 cases due to objections whereas 37 cases were given approval.

According to the details, 20 cases of petrol pumps were submitted to the committee for permission and all were approved, 11 cases of control sheds were presented and nine were approved and two were deferred with objections.

Similarly, three cases of warehouses were presented which were approved.Of the 15 cases of commercial buildings, five were approved while objections were made in 10 cases.

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2023