Bihar decides to convert fossil fuel commercial vehicles to CNG vehicles

PATNA: The Bihar government has said that in its upcoming plans it’s looking to control vehicular pollution in the state. The Bihar government is planning to convert all commercial vehicles running on fossil fuels registered in the state to be powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), beginning with Patna.

According to the state transport department, the number of vehicles registered in Bihar jumped 6.5 times in 11 years to 950,120 up till February 2018.

The pollution is also a major problem in the state, the state capital was ranked the seventh-most polluted city in the world according to the 2018 World Air Quality Report prepared by IQ Air, Air Visual and Greenpeace.

The rise in air pollution was blamed on vehicular emissions, domestic fuel burning, burning of waste in the open, construction debris, industrial emissions and road dust by Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB).

Sanjay Agarwal, state transport secretary said, “We are encouraging vehicle owners to opt for CNG; not only is it cheaper but also environment friendly.” The transport department authorities said, owners of all commercial vehicles in Patna have been advised to switch over to CNG to keep air pollution in check.

For the purpose of fitting old vehicles with CNG kits, depending on models and variants eight companies have been authorised for the job.

Though the move is expected to reduce the vehicular pollution in the state, the commercial vehicle owners are not happy with the decision. Ranjeet Kumar, secretary of the Patna, All India Road Transport and Workers Federation, said, “This will destroy our business and leave our families to starve.” Auto drivers, who make an average Rs 400-500 a day, will have to shell out about Rs 35,000 for a CNG kit. “How can they afford that without any government subsidy?” Kumar asked.

At present, the state has 922,500 commercials vehicles out of which 225,000 are auto-rickshaws, 190,000 trucks, 325,000 tractors, 75,000 buses, and 7000-7500 are tanker lorries.

Santosh Kumar Nirala, State Transport Minister said, currently there is no compulsion and vehicle owners can attach kits voluntarily, “After certain period, conversion of all vehicles to CNG will be made mandatory”.