According to RMC officials, these three-wheelers are major contributors of noise and air pollution in the city and drivers of the vehicles also violate various norms.

RMC commissioner Vijay Nehra on Friday held a meeting with concerned RMC officials as well as the regional transport officer (Rajkot) Ajay Shah to discuss the issue.

"On February 12, a special meeting will be held to discuss these issues which affect everybody. We will address all issues pertaining to noise and air pollution by these vehicles. All stakeholders including police, Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), district supply office, RTO, members from various organizations and chhakda rickshaw owners have been invited for discussion," Nehra told TOI.

"When we are talking about smart city, we can't ignore the issue of noise and air pollution as we want to address it immediately before it gets worse. Civil society, judiciary and all are concerned about the rising pollution level and it is high time we take the issue on priority," Nehra added.

"Alternate mode of transport vehicles that can run on green fuels will also be discussed during the meeting," said an RMC official.

According to an estimate, there are over 5,000 chakkada rickshaws which run on diesel.

The air pollution level has increased in the city in absence of any concrete plan for old vehicles on the roads and clear strategy on public transportation.

"We are focusing on promoting electric and CNG vehicles as alternatives to diesel vehicles. These are small steps to make the city green and clean," Nehra added.

RMC's plan to phase out polluting vehicles got a thumbs up from environment activists. "This is a welcome step and all stake holders must cooperate with the civic body," said ShailendrasinhJadeja, an RTI and environment activist from Rajkot.