A free vehicle emission check campaign, marking the occasion of the World Environment Day, was organised by The Hindu in association with Canara Bank and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) here on Wednesday. As many as 109 vehicles were checked on the occasion and the owners of the five vehicles with the lowest emission levels were given prizes.
N. Sundaragopal, Joint Chief Environmental Engineer, TNPCB, said environment protection issue had gained importance today because of various factors. The participation of every citizen was required in safeguarding the environment, he said and added that every individual could do their bit in this direction. The TNPCB had been creating awareness on environment protection by organising events on plastic waste management and other subjects. In its endeavour to create awareness, the board had been targeting schoolchildren and driving home the message of environment protection in the young minds, Mr. Sundaragopal said. Vehicle owners could contribute to the extent possible by ensuring less emission from their vehicles, he said.
R. Lakshmi, District Environmental Engineer, TNPCB, said increase in vehicle density had given rise to emissions over the years. C. Balasubramaniam, Regional Transport Officer, Tiruchi, said air pollution would have a telling effect on the health of all sections of society. There was a greater need now to check emission and air pollution, he added. S. Segaran, Deputy General Manager, Canara Bank, Tiruchi Circle, said the bank had launched “Canara Vanamahotsava” on the occasion of World Environment Day to create awareness and educate the youth about sustaining environmental equilibrium.
The programme had been launched across all branches of the bank, he added. S. Kalaichelvan, Divisional Manager, Canara Bank, Tiruchi Circle office, participated.
