Rudrapur records over 2,600 vehicular pollution violations in 2025-26

Rudrapur: Vehicle emissions and excessive noise continue to pose a severe threat to public health and the environment in the Tarai region. According to recent data from the transport department, a total of 278 cases of air pollution and 86 cases of noise pollution were detected during April and May of this year alone in Uttarakhand’s Rudrapur.A monthly breakdown reveals a rising trend, with violations climbing from 135 air pollution and 39 noise pollution cases in April to 143 air pollution and 47 noise pollution cases in May.The latest figures highlight a persistent long-term challenge for the authorities. In 2025–26, a total of 1,941 air pollution and 683 noise pollution violations were detected, compared to 1,291 air pollution and 1,527 noise pollution violations in 2024–25.Despite regular checking campaigns, hundreds of vehicles continue to flout prescribed legal limits every year.Medical professionals have raised alarms over the long-term impact of these violations. Prof Usha Rawat, principal of Government Medical College, warned of the immediate biological toll. “Air and noise pollution can cause asthma, lung diseases, hearing impairment and even insomnia. People should take all possible measures to protect themselves,” she said.

Experts add that prolonged exposure can also trigger bronchitis, heart attacks, strokes, and stress, while greenhouse gases damage the local ecology by contributing to global warming and acid rain.Meanwhile, the transport department has maintained that surveillance will remain strict. “Vehicles are inspected using specialized equipment to measure air and noise pollution levels. Strict action is taken against owners whose vehicles fail to meet the prescribed standards,” said Naveen Singh, ARTO (Enforcement), Rudrapur.