Crackdown on illegal, CNG-run autos in Jalalabad

JALALABAD (PAN): The authorities in Jalalabad, the capital of eastern Nangarhar province, have launched an all-out war on illegal and run by compressed natural gas or CNG auto-rickshaws.

Traffic department official Col. Asadullah Yousafzai told Pajhwok Afghan News hundreds of unregistered and smuggled rickshaws had so far been booked in the city and the crackdown was ongoing in order to curb toxic emissions, control air pollution levels and prevent security incidents.

He put at more than 3000 the number of illegal and unregistered auto-rickshaws plying on Jalalabad roads, calling them a threat to the security situation.

He said so far 1400 rickshaws had been registered with the traffic department, saying the autos often led to traffic jams for hours in congested areas, creating numerous problems for traffic officials.

Yousafzai said CNG kits from dozens of rickshaws had been removed and the campaign would continue until all CNG-run rickshaws were sent off the streets.

Respiratory specialist Dr. Imranuddin Nabikhel, said air pollution could cause breathing problems, trigger asthma, reduce lung function and cause lung diseases and other health risks.

He said most rickshaw drivers used extra quantity of mobil oil in order keep the engine healthy and as a result, the autos produced more smoke.

“This smoke causes chest cancer and other health problems, therefore an utmost care should be exercised,” he said.

A rickshaw mechanic, Najibullah, said auto drivers preferred CNG-run vehicles because they gave more profit compared to those run by petrol.

A Jalalabad resident, Hamidullah, said the number of rickshaws increased with each passing day in the city, saying terrorists sometime used autos for suicide attacks.

A rickshaw driver, Mohammad Nabi, said he used CNG-run auto because he could not afford buying petrol. He explained how difficult it was for him to feed his family with the hard-earned money.

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