Gujarat working on e-rickshaw project for pollution control: CM

Inspired by the e-rickshaw project launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi, Chief Minister Anandiben Patel on Sunday said that the Gujarat government is working on a similar project to curb pollution.

She made the announcement at a function organised by Gujarat Pollution Control Board in Ahmedabad to mark the World Environment Day on Sunday.

"Our PM has recently distributed e-rickshaws in Varanasi. We want to walk on the path shown by him. To control pollution, time has come to move from CNG-run rickshaws to e-rickshaws. The state government is working a project to introduce e-rickshaws," Patel said.

The Chief Minister urged the industries to adhere to pollution control norms in order to save water bodies from getting polluted.

"We have caught several industries dumping hazardous waste into water bodies illegally. Several FIRs were registered against them. I urge you to stop such activity to save our environment as the government is ready to work with you for proper disposal of such waste," she said.

Earlier in the day, she participated at the ground-breaking ceremony of a Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) coming up in Vadaj area of the city. Currently, sewage water is dumped directly into Sabarmati Riverfront.

"The STP will become functional within 13-14 months. The project is aimed at reducing pollution of the Sabarmati river. In addition, our dependence on Narmada river water will also reduce, as we will get treated water from this plant," Patel added.