AQM (Component 5)

Several activities have been carried out in order to support the technical and financial sustainability of the EV sector. Despite these efforts, and due heavy competition from diesel, petrol and LPG vehicles to the EV sector is at the moment in a very critical situation.  There is therefore an immediate need for HMG/N initiatives for the creation of a conducive environment for the promotion of cleaner vehicles in the form of EVs. Such initiatives by HMG/N are still awaited. If these initiatives are not decided upon and implemented in the very near future, the unique and until now promising EV sector in Kathmandu could risk a total collapse and as such the efforts and financial support given by ESPS to the sector could be wasted.

Through the work of MOPE on developing vehicle emission standards Nepal is now in a position where MOPE has carried through the basic work of setting both import and in use emission standards for petrol, diesel and LPG vehicles.

The results of the ambient air quality-monitoring program conducted at seven monitoring stations in Kathmandu Valley started in January 2001 and of a benzene monitoring campaign over three weeks in February 2002 at the same stations shows levels of TSP, PM10 and benzene in the air of the valley several times higher than the limit values recommended by WHO.  A permanent ambient air monitoring system is designed and the needed equipment is ordered. The monitoring system is expected to come into operation by the end of this year.

The VAPP training centre is now fully operational and several training programs have already been provided for especially KVTP and DOTM.

• Progress

• Future Activities

Updated: 14 May 2002