LMC introduces electric vans for city's green drive

By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, Mar. 4: Lalitpur Metropolitan City (LMC) has launched two electric vans equipped with modern facilities for various environmental activities. The vans, inaugurated by Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan on Thursday, are deployed for environmental work—one within the Ring Road and the other outside it. 

The metropolis introduced these electric vans to promote a clean environment, along with training 15 municipal police officers in environmental protection. Mayor Maharjan stated that the vans will be used by the Environmental Police to monitor air-polluting vehicles, protect greenery, take immediate action against those who dispose of garbage indiscriminately, prevent the piling of construction materials such as soil on roads, and control noise and visual pollution. 

He noted that Lalitpur Metropolitan City, renowned for its rich cultural and artistic heritage, has also set an example in preserving man-made greenery. He added that the metropolis has imposed fines ranging from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 100,000 on individuals who uproot planted trees or damage branches. 

Mayor Maharjan further mentioned that the vans are equipped with a hotline number (1131), allowing residents to report pollution or other undesirable incidents. Authorities are expected to reach the site within minutes and address the issue. According to the Metropolitan City, the Environment Police will patrol the city using these vehicles to ensure overall environmental cleanliness. 

Their responsibilities include prohibiting open burning of plastic, controlling fires, monitoring vehicles emitting harmful fumes, regulating sound systems to prevent noise pollution, restricting the use of loudspeakers, preventing indiscriminate graffiti and hoarding boards, protecting plants, and promoting proper household waste management. 

Narayan Lal Awale, Coordinator of the Metropolitan City’s Forest, Environment and Disaster Management Committee, expressed confidence that the vans would enhance the capacity of the Environment Police to improve the city’s environmental conditions.