Autos run without permits as DTO stops renewing them

In the present situation,Katani said, “We have no option but to ply autos without permits.”

The DTO stopped renewing permits after the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the Punjab Pollution Control Board not to register diesel-run autos and buses to keep a check on the rising pollution. DTO officials are reportedly not sure whether to renew the old permits when the HC has ordered not to register new vehicles.

“We have decided to file a writ petition in the High Court. In a judgment,the Supreme Court had said vehicles should be allowed to ply on roads for 15 years. So,permits of many autos,which are less than 15 years old,should be renewed,” Katani said.

On August 25,auto-rickshaw drivers had stayed away from roads to protest against the DTO decision.

Manpreet Singh Chhatwal. SDM (East),who also has the charge of the District Transport Office,said,“The issue had to be discussed with the State Transport Commissioner on Monday. But the meeting has been postponed to Friday,as Monday was a holiday. By the end of this week,we will know for sure whether to renew their permits or not.”