Hyderabad’s Autorickshaws: Once Green, Now Grey Polluters
In Hyderabad, a concerning trend is emerging with CNG and LPG-powered autorickshaws, which were once hailed as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. Many of these vehicles are now becoming significant contributors to air pollution in the city.
The main issue lies not with the fuel itself, but with the state of the vehicles. Poor maintenance, aging engines, and the unauthorized use of domestic LPG cylinders are leading to thick smoke emissions, raising alarms about air quality and public health. Experts note that under normal conditions, CNG and auto-LPG vehicles shouldn’t emit visible smoke. However, with worn-out piston rings and damaged engine parts, oil can mix with the fuel and lead to heavy exhaust fumes.
These smoky autorickshaws have become a common sight on busy streets, especially during rush hour, putting both drivers and pedestrians at risk from harmful emissions. Another troubling concern is the misuse of subsidized domestic LPG cylinders in these vehicles. Some drivers, in an attempt to cut costs as auto-LPG prices rise, have taken to refilling their tanks with household cooking gas through unauthorized means. This practice not only violates safety regulations but also results in revenue losses for the government, as domestic cylinders are not meant for automotive use.
Reports indicate that illegal refilling is rampant in areas such as Chaderghat, Yakutpura, and Secunderabad. Despite the visibility of these practices, enforcement measures have been lax, allowing the trade to continue.
Additionally, worries have been raised about the effectiveness of Pollution Under Control (PUC) centers. Transport experts claim that emission tests are often mechanically done, allowing unfit vehicles to receive certificates without proper checks.
Dheerendra Samineni, a transport expert, emphasized the need for urgent repairs or overhauls for these aging vehicles, stating that visible smoke is a clear sign of engine problems. He called for stricter inspections and a crackdown on the illegal use of domestic LPG cylinders, which not only worsen pollution but also create safety hazards.
When contacted, M Chandrashekar Goud, the joint transport commissioner (vigilance), acknowledged the problem and mentioned that the transport department plans to launch a special enforcement drive targeting autorickshaws that emit smoke and those illegally using domestic LPG.
Experts underline the importance of stricter vehicle inspections, enhanced monitoring of PUC centers, and consistent enforcement against fuel violations to ensure that green-fuel autorickshaws truly serve as a solution for urban pollution, rather than contributing to it.
