An old minibus, which was retrofitted and converted into an electric vehicle some eight months ago, is still unable to operate on the road due to the government’s apathy in introducing related guidelines.

Sajha Yatayat, a cooperative company that provides transportation services, unveiled a retrofitted electric-converted diesel bus in April and has been urging authorities to allow it to run since then.

“We have been unable to use the electric converted bus for transportation due to lack of a necessary permit,” said Kanak Mani Dixit, chairman of the Sajha Yatayat. “Without a route permit, we cannot operate the vehicle. We have been waiting for months for a permit.”

Experts say converting polluting diesel vehicles into electric ones could help address the country's rising air pollution. Air quality has once again been worsening in the Kathmandu Valley and other places, with various factors including stubble burning by farmers and vehicle emissions, and cold weather trapping pollutants.

IQAir, a Swiss group that collects air quality data from around the world, ranked Nepal among the top six countries with the worst air quality last Thursday.

To meet the country’s commitments made at various national and international forums for clean energy, authorities must promote the conversion of polluting vehicles, according to experts.

“We have demonstrated that diesel vehicle conversion is possible within the country,” said Janak Rishal, assistant manager of Sajha Yatayat. “For that, government support will be important. We have been waiting for permission to operate the converted vehicle.”

Officials say that work procedures and guidelines have to be formulated before issuing a route permit. Without this permit, public transport vehicles cannot be brought on the road, and insurance companies do not provide coverage.

Nepal committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2045 at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) in Glasgow in November 2021.

The government has targeted the usage of electric vehicles, reaching 25 percent in 2025 and 90 percent in 2030.

Saja Yatayat’s official said that retrofitting and electric conversion were done on a donated 25-seat bus, at a cost of around Rs8 million.

“The government must promote the electric conversion of polluting diesel vehicles if it is serious about addressing the growing air pollution,” said Bhusan Tuladhar, an environmentalist. “I don’t understand why authorities are taking months to provide route permits to Sajha Yatayat’s converted vehicle.”

Officials at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport said they are aware that existing law does not allow the conversion of fossil fuel vehicles into electric ones.

“Yes, the existing law does not allow modification or conversion of vehicles. Vehicles must be used for the original purpose mentioned at the time of import,” said Sushil Babu Dhakal, spokesperson at the ministry. “The ministry is working on amending the law.”

Environmentalists warn that the worst is yet to come, as the dry season and open burning of waste materials and agriculture stubble have just started.

Doctors say poor air quality can have both short- and long-term impacts on public health. Bad air quality can cause pneumonia, bronchitis, conjunctivitis, skin allergies, stroke, and heart problems, among others, in the short term, ulcers and cancer of the lungs and intestines, kidney disease and heart problems over the long term.

Experts say that the public is bearing the brunt of the authorities' inaction in enforcing measures to improve air quality.

“A lot of work is needed to improve air quality during the dry season,” said Tuladhar. “Promoting electric vehicles and conversion of polluting diesel vehicles into electric ones should be our strategy.”