Phased ban on auto-rickshaws begins in UP’s NCR districts: Govt

By December 31 next year, the operation of auto-rickshaws is scheduled to be phased out in Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Muzaffarnagar and Shamli

Uttar Pradesh districts in the National Capital Region (NCR) have initiated a phased ban on auto-rickshaws in an attempt to curb air pollution caused by vehicles, as per a statement issued by the state government on Saturday.

(HT file)

The principal secretary of the environment department has been designated as the nodal officer of the state government initiative.

Auto-rickshaws that run on diesel will be completely banned in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad. Baghpat district will enforce a complete ban on them by this December 31. The Meerut Regional Transport Authority has halted the issuance and renewal of permits for these restricted vehicles. By December 31 next year, the operation of auto-rickshaws is scheduled to be phased out in Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Muzaffarnagar and Shamli, said the note.

The initiative identifies road dust as the primary contributor to pollution. Major focus areas include roadway redevelopment, dust suppression initiatives, and enhanced cleanliness drives.

A project monitoring unit (PMU) has been established at the state level.

Authorities in Noida and Greater Noida have begun deploying anti-smog guns, sprinklers, and mechanical cleaning systems to minimise roadside dust, said the press statement.