No diesel-run autos from May 1

LUDHIANA: In view of rising levels of air pollution in the city, the secretary of state transport has asked deputy commissioner to ban diesel-run autorickshaws from May 1. And the district administration is all set to implement the same in the district.
According to information, 44,000 unregistered autos are plying on the city roads whereas the number of registered ones is around 12,000.This is a major factor that has increased level of pollution. However, residents are keeping their fingers crossed that the same is implemented soon to make the city pollution-free.
DS Jaspal, principal secretary of transport on Tuesday, said, “Diesel-run autos are the main source of pollution. As such, we want to promote LPG-run autos. We have written a letter to DC Rahul Tiwari to chalk out a plan regarding the same.”
He further said, “As per the high court orders, all diesel-run autos will be off roads from May 1. Though we may encounter some problems, the decision has to be implemented. I have asked the DC and district transport officer to start working at the earliest.”
Jaspal said so far, only 150 LPG autos ply on city's roads.
Meanwhile, residents are happy with the proposal and hope this will ensure cleaner air and environment.
“This will be a boon for residents. The level of pollution has increased. This is a great step,” said city resident Karuna Kashyap.
Another resident Balbir Singh said, “These autos are not run on diesel. The drivers mix kerosene which emits smoke and causes health problems. This is the most desired step.”
Notably, a public interest litigation was filed in 2008 which stated that diesel-run autos were the main source of pollution. Ever since September 2009, it was decided that no new permits would be issued to diesel-run autos.
As autos are the main mode of transportation, residents are confused about how they would commute. And with the proposal still hanging fire, their confusion has compounded
DC Rahul Tiwari held a joint meeting with district transport officer and auto unions at his office in the evening. While giving details, district transport officer Ashwani Kumar said, “We will start a campaign from Wednesday onwards wherein we will issue challans to autos that are 15 years old. We are awaiting HC decision on diesel autos.”