Auto rickshaws running on diesel to be phased out of Gurugram by December 31: DC

Gurugram, December 7: Cracking down on the diesel autos to check rising pollution levels, a significant step the district administration has intensified its efforts to remove diesel autos from the region. District Commissioner (DC) Ajay Kumar recently held a meeting with relevant authorities and issued necessary directives regarding this initiative.
Speaking at the conference held at the mini-secretariat, DC Ajay Kumar emphasized the importance of a city’s traffic management in building its image. He stated that Gurugram has established itself as a Millennium City, with a distinct identity on the global map. For visitors to leave the city with a positive image, collective efforts are needed, he noted. Referring to the orders issued by the Air Quality Management Commission (CAQM) on November 30, 2022, the DC mentioned that specific timelines had been set for removing diesel autos from roads across the NCR region. The deadline for Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar districts is December 31, 2024, while nearby districts have been given until December 31, 2025, to comply.
To ensure strict implementation of these orders, the DC instructed Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), Regional Transport Authority (RTA) officials, and police officers to launch a comprehensive drive by the end of this month. He emphasized that all possible efforts should be made to meet the set targets. DC Kumar pointed out that Gurugram is a city of state and national significance, and measures to reduce vehicle pollution are crucial to make the city comparable to international standards. The removal of diesel autos is an essential part of these efforts.
During the meeting, DC Kumar also directed police officers to ensure that shared auto-rickshaws do not exceed their capacity. He instructed that any auto operating without a registered number should be immediately impounded. Similarly, autos driven by individuals under the age of 18 should also be impounded. Regional Transport Authority Secretary and SDM Ravindra Kumar informed the meeting that currently, there are 38,400 autos running on various fuels in Gurugram, including 1,015 diesel autos. He added that, in line with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) mandate, no new diesel auto registrations have been allowed since January 1, 2023. As part of the ongoing efforts to remove diesel autos from the streets, more than 80 autos have already been impounded.
This important meeting was attended by SDM Ankit Chokse from Badshahpur, SDM Darshan Yadav from Manesar and other officials from the police and the Regional Transport Authority. However, the decision, if implemented with strong will, would certainly be witnessing protest from the auto rickshaw owners. However, in the interest of the city, it is a welcome step.