For cleaner air

Mumbai authorities will soon put an end to the registration of diesel-run taxis. According to V M Lal, the Maharashtra transport commissioner, diesel-run taxis are the biggest polluters among commercial vehicles.

Air pollution levels have reached alarming levels in the metropolis, said Lal. He said this during a discussion on vehicular pollution organised by the Indian Merchants' Chamber and some non-governmental organisations. Diesel emissions contain very fine respirable suspended particulate matter (rspm) which are carcinogenic in nature.

Lal suggested that to reduce traffic and pollution in the city, vehicles coming in to the metropolis should obtain "fitness certificates" at entry points. He added that private cars would soon be prevented from entering central Mumbai.