In order to reduce vehicular pollution, as many as 3,650 petrol and diesel-run auto-rickshaws from Mathura, Firozabad and Tundla will be phased out in the coming months and replaced with CNG engines.
A decision to this effect was taken by the divisional commissioner of Agra recently. There is already a ban on plying diesel/petrol auto rickshaws in Agra. Since the records suggest a significant dip in pollution levels in Agra post ban, RTO officials are hopeful that the move will yield positive results in the targeted regions as well.
According to a senior RTO official, there are 1,800 auto rickshaws in Mathura, 1,000 in Firozabad and 850 in Tundla. The assistant regional transport officer (administration) has been made the nodal officer for this job, and he would ensure that 300 vehicles are dismantled every month in Mathura, 175 in Firozabad and 125 in Tundla till all are covered.
The divisional commissioner also announced that the administration would launch a crackdown on all unauthorised e-rickshaw or battery operated vehicles in the city.
Unauthorised vehicles will be seized and dismantled by the transport department, and the owners would be required to pay a requisite fine. In addition, FIRs would be lodged against those manufacturers and dealers who are selling battery operated vehicles without permission.
An announcement was also made for the safety of passengers on Yamuna expressway, for which the state roadways has been asked to replace seats in all buses with the 2016 model deluxe seats.
Source : BS Motoring