In a major decision to curb vehicular pollution in the millennium city, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar  ordered that auto-rickshaws more than 10 years old will not be allowed to ply in Gurugram.

Drivers found with auto-rickshaws over 10 years old will be impounded. These orders were given by the CM while addressing a grievance redressal committee meeting in the city.

Khattar said that Secretary Regional Transport Authority and Gurugram Traffic Police would jointly prepare a policy for Auto Rickshaws plying illegally without registration and carrying passengers more than the specified limit.

The chief minister said that all auto-rickshaws should soon have fare meters installed and Police Commissioner Mohammad Akil should oversee the work.

The Secretary RTA-cum-ADC Mohammad Imran Raza said that the Transport Department has issued notification for metering the Autos on 30 May 2019 and a tender would soon be invited for installation of Fare Meters on the Auto Rickshaws in the state.

“The RTA office has Challenged 145 Auto Rickshaws and impounded more than 10-year-old Autos.

Besides, 5166 Autos have been challenged for not having Pollution under control Certificate and more than 2.46 lakh challans were issued for carrying passengers above their capability,” Raza said.

“Banning of 10 year-old autos in the city will especially help traffic personnel  in managing  traffic movement in the old Gurugram in a better way.

The traffic movement on the stretch near bus stand, old Delhi road, Mahavir Chowk and Gurudwara road often gets stuck due to reckless auto-rickshaw drivers.

They didn’t bother about traffic rules and often carry passengers beyond their sitting capacity,” a traffic official said.

“It is a good decision taken up by the state government to crack down on the polluting old autos that ply in the city. However, the Government  should ensure more transport options for hassle free commuting for the public, said Gaurav, an IT professional.