Eviction of more than 20-year-old diesel-run buses, minibuses and trucks from the city will begin next month in a bid to keep its air free from pollution.

Mobile courts will work in different parts of the capital under the joint supervision of Department of Environment, Bangladesh Road and Transport Authority (BRTA) and Metropolitan Police to identify and phase out the age-old vehicles.

This was decided at a meeting in the city yesterday with Environment and Forest Minister Tariqul Islam in the chair.

The meeting was informed of the findings of air quality monitoring stations installed at four prime points in the city.

Mobile courts filed 87 cases against old vehicles emitting nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide that pollute city air.

The meeting also discussed amending the Motor Vehicles Ordinance 1983.

Emerging from the meeting, Tariqul told The Daily Star that the government is taking the initiative to phase out outdated motor vehicles to keep the environment of the capital free from pollution.

"We want to ensure fresh air for the city dwellers," he added.

Environment Secretary Zafar Ahmed Chowdhury, BRTA Chairman MA Momen and Project Director of Air Quality Management Nasiruddin were present at the meeting.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net/2006/02/20/d60220060358.htm