Kathmandu, November 14

With the aim of encouraging motorcyclists to regularly service their two-wheelers and reduce PM 2.5 emissions, Clean Energy Nepal, Clean Air Network Nepal together with International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development have begun a week long campaign.

As part of the campaign, organisers have been distributing pamphlets and providing a discount coupon worth Rs 200 for bikers to service their vehicles.

Two-wheelers, including motorbikes and scooters, comprise 80 per cent of the vehicles in the country.

According to a recent study conducted by ICIMOD in Kathmandu, one to two per cent of motorbikes plying the roads in the city are responsible for up to 50 per cent of the directly emitted particulate matter (PM2.5).

The study measured emissions from 56 motorcycles and scooters before and after routine servicing.

It found that the standard service offered at local repair workshops can substantially reduce PM2.5 emissions.