CM pitches for increasing operation of EVs
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, June 19 2022: Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Sunday flagged off a road show organised by E-Rickshaw Workers' Union Manipur, from Kangla, Western Gate.

The road show was aimed at making Imphal City free from hazardous emission, particulate matter and all forms of pollutants and mitigating impact of climate change and global warming.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Biren stressed the importance of the programme as mitigating impact of climate change and global warming is the need of the hour.

He also stressed the need for voluntary involvement of everyone in conserving the environment by planting trees and using e-vehicles among others.

Many people in the state have already started using e vehicles to control air and noise pollution.

As such, in support of the use of pollution free vehicles, the government is trying to set up charging points for the same at different places across the state, he added.

While pointing out that Mother Nature does not need us, but rather we need nature for our survival, Biren said that the state government has been taking up mass campaigns against deforestation and pollution of various rivers.

It has been advocating against dumping of garbage in rivers, which in turn is polluting Loktak Lake.

The government has also carried out eviction of only those structures which are illegally built in Reserved Forest areas and along the riverside.

The government has no enmity with anyone, he maintained.

The chief minister then announced that the government would provide every possible support to e-rickshaw workers and would also request banks to provide loans to those who want to start e-rickshaw service.

He also appealed to the public to responsibly play their parts in conserving the environment.

Further, he informed that he had talked with Assam CM Himanta Biswa and Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma and expressed his solidarity to the uncertainties faced by the people of the two states due to widespread flood and landslides.

Municipal Administration, Housing & Urban Development minister Y Khemchand, who attended as guest of honour, stated that though the economic condition of the state has improved, the youth are still facing unemployment problems.

Starting of e-rickshaws service would not only help in controlling pollution but also provide employment for sustaining livelihood, he said and assured that the state government would provide every possible support to the e-rickshaw workers.

E-Rickshaw Workers Union, Manipur general secretary Langpoklakpam Sanatomba informed that 152 e-rickshaws were flagged off under the Union in Imphal on Monday, bringing the total number of e-rickshaws to around 500.E-rickshaw services have also begun in Moirang and Bishnupur with the fare comparatively cheaper.

For students, the fare is discounted to up to 50 per cent, he conveyed.

E-Rickshaw Workers' Union, Manipur advisor A Premkumar Singh and members of the union also attended the programme among others.

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