PPCB wants diesel autos phased out

Aman Sood

Tribune News Service

Patiala, December 7

The rising pollution has prompted the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to propose to the state government for the “replacement of diesel auto-rickshaws (autos) over 15 years’ old with LPG/CNG auto-rickshaws” to improve air quality in the state. It has been further proposed that no new diesel-run passenger autos should be registered with the Transport Department in Punjab.

A letter has been written to the Transport Department in which the PPCB has stated that “immediate action may be taken for banning the registration of diesel-powered three-wheeler autos in Punjab”. The letter, written on December 5, further mentions that “comprehensive action against illegally plying of more than 15 years’ old three-wheeler diesel autos may also be taken at the earliest so that air quality index of Punjab could be improved and the people could breathe better air”.

This year, Punjab was placed in the “very poor” category in the air quality index (AQI) for around two months in October and November due to burning of stubble coupled with other reasons.