· Cost of the project is being borne by the Canadian Government

· 25 autorickshaws fitted with the conversion kits

· The new kits are expected not only to reduce pollution from emission but also give more mileage

BANGALORE: The city has nearly 87,000 registered and licensed autorickshaws. Less than 46,000 have so far switched over to LPG conversion kits. Four years ago, the Karnataka High Court made it mandatory for all autorickshaws to change over to LPG to reduce air pollution but the deadline for compliance was extended regularly following representations from the auto drivers unions.

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board is apparently tired of the long wait. It has tied up with a Canadian Government agency to try out high-end gas kits that are expected to give more mileage and also reduce pollution from emissions. The programme sponsored under the Environment Canada initiative is being tried out on 25 autorickshaws, which have been fitted with these conversion kits.

If the pilot project succeeds, the KSPCB and the Transport Department will make it mandatory for all autorickshaws to use such kits. The authorised conversion kits made with Italian technology now used by autorickshaws in the city have been found to be safe but many drivers may be willing to change over to the new one which gives more mileage for each cylinder used.

According to KSPCB officials, many autorickshaws have been fitted with non-certified gas kits and may not be following safety norms. The cost for the pilot project has been borne by the Canadian Government and the autorickshaws will run on these kits for four months during which mileage studies will be taken up. The Canadian kits are said to provide for better functioning of engine valves, increasing fuel efficiency.

As a follow-up, KSPCB will study the impact on pollution levels at Ananda Rao Circle, one of the most crowded intersections. Pollution levels here have gone up to 200 suspended particle matter (SPP), which is considered high. The level has to be reduced to less than 140 to be safe. Of course, the impact of other vehicles will also count but autorickshaws are among the vehicles most seen on this stretch that lies between the City Railway Station and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation bus station. By constantly analysing air quality over a 16-week period, the board officials expect to calculate the level to which pollution can be brought down.