CM gives away subsidy to e-rickshaw drivers, lauds them for fighting pollution

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said the Delhi government wants to operate battery-operated buses and cars to bring down pollution level in the national Capital.

Addressing e-rickshaw drivers at an event where subsidy money was given away to them, Kejriwal said there was a need to reduce the number of diesel and petrol-run vehicles to check pollution.

"Today, pollution is the biggest problem in Delhi. E-rickshaws do not cause pollution (and) I hope that in future, buses, cars and all vehicles will run on electricity and battery," he said at the event held at Indira Gandhi Stadium here.

Kejriwal said e-rickshaw drivers are doing a favour for the people of Delhi, as their vehicles fight pollution.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said e-rickshaw drivers were like "soldiers" who fight against rising pollution.

The subsidy, which runs into Rs 15,000 and Rs 30,000, is intended to promote the eco-friendly three-wheelers

used by commuters for short distances.

In total, around 6,000 applicants were given financial aid.

He also asked those who did not get the subsidy on Saturday to submit the required documents to the Transport department's office before July 22, after which the government will transfer the amount into their bank account by July 31.