Times of India PMC fails to keep promise on CNG kits for all autos PUNE:
Eleven years after the Supreme Court-appointed committee’s directive, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is struggling to fit Compress Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits in three-seater autorickshaws that are over 15 years old.
In 2004, the Bhure Lal committee had visited Pune and recommended that the civic body and the local government officials undertake a series of measures to curb pollution. One of the recommendations made by the committee to the Union government was to speed up the process for opening CNG supply outlets in Pune. The committee had directed that three-seater autorickshaws which are more than 15 years old should have a CNG conversion kit.
The PMC had then promised to make substantial budgetary provision to grant a subsidy to autorickshaw owners who want to secure a loan to fit these CNG kits. However, the civic body started providing a subsidy from 2011 onwards and till date it has provided subsidy worth Rs 20.60 crore to assist 15,000 autorickshaw owners.
Civic officials stated that the PMC is making provision as and when funds are available. The administration has tabled a proposal before the standing committee seeking permission to provide assistance worth Rs 1.44 crore to 1,200 autorickshaws this year. The committee will take a call on the proposal on Tuesday. The PMC has appealed to autorickshaw owners to apply for the scheme. The owners must register at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for a CNG kit, following which they can apply for the subsidy. Besides, it is mandatory to bring along documents like a driving licence, PUC certificate, registration certificate, CNG fit bill, autorickshaw permit and fitness certificate.