Kochi: The Ernakulam RTO authorities have issued stop memos to 40 pollution testing centres for violating norms while checking vehicle pollution. Authorities said most of the centres issued certificates without even checking the smoke level or marking a reduced pollution level in the certificate.
"These centres were issuing certificates to vehicles either without checking the emission level or with a reduced air pollution level. We have also formed a team to check if there's any unlicensed emission checking centres in the city. Operation Fume programme was launched to find the law-flouting centres in the city and are hopeful of booking the violators," said K M Shaji, regional transport officer, Ernakulam.
Meanwhile, the operators of emission testing centres alleged that most of the vehicle users are in a hurry and want to get the test done immediately. "Even if we follow the rules, it takes at least half-an-hour to get the correct reading," said an operator of emission testing centre in Kaloor.
