Imphal, March 2: At least 1445 diesel autos are registered with the transport department for plying in the Imphal Municipal area, said Transport minister Kh Ratankumar during the question hour in the fourth day of the 10th session of the tenth Manipur Legislative Assembly today.
He was responding to a question raised by Uripok A/C MLA, L Nandakumar on the actual number of diesel auto rickshaws plying in the Imphal Municipal area and whether they were registered with the district transport authorities of Imphal West or East.
Replying further, Ratankumar said all the registered diesel auto rickshaws are plying at the Imphal Municipal area with valid permits. There is a scheme for the conversion of diesel auto rickshaws into battery operated auto rickshaws. In this regard, the department is preparing a detailed project report under the National Electric Mission Mode Project (NEMMP) particularly for Imphal which will then be submitted to the Department of Heavy Industries (DHI) of the Union government for consideration.
The air pollution and noise pollution caused by diesel operated auto rickshaws have caused serious health issues, he said, so it is mandatory for all diesel operated auto rickshaws to possess pollution control certificates.
The defaulters or offenders are liable to pay a penalty. The Transport department has no jurisdiction over noise pollution. So, the suspension of auto diesel permits is still in force. The traffic control police are regulating the movement of diesel operated auto rickshaws at Imphal, he said.
Responding to a question raised by Thangmeiand A/C MLA Joykisan on the amount of money expended for renovating the Yatra Niwas at Moreh so far, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi said Rs 357.82 lakhs have been sanctioned from the North East Council (NEC) for the renovation of the Yatra Niwas till February 28 since its construction began.
NEC has released the funds partly for renovation, repairing and, in addition, for the construction of new bed rooms and security rooms.