Stop that roar near schools

In a move to reduce pollution around schools and protect children, motor vehicles will not be permitted to keep their engines running if they want to park outside schools, an official said.

Central Environment Authority (CEA) Udaya Gammanpila said yesterday the CEA hoped the decision to be enforced from next month would help protect children from vehicle exhaust fumes and consequent respiratory diseases like asthma.

He said the CEA would set up two more centres in Colombo and Kandy to monitor air quality. This would be done with a grant of Rs. 100 million from the Indian government and would facilitate the work of the present centre near Fort Railway Station.