Opinion Don’t ban, regulate

Even as Delhi wonders how not to become another smog capital like Beijing, the ministry of road transport and highways has issued a notification that makes e-rickshaws illegal. This form of transport is the only private green initiative in the capital that has scaled up, with one lakh smokeless, soundless rickshaws on the street. In a city battling runaway vehicular pollution, it was obviously a phenomenon worth encouraging.

The government’s instincts got the better of common sense in April, when it stopped the sale of e-rickshaws and moved against manufacturers and dealers. And now, the authorities are empowered to impound e-rickshaws, though this new sector needs regulation and support instead. Unease about the lack of oversight has been voiced since last year. Since no licensing was required, it was perceived that the government could not enforce equipment standards or driver training. The e-rickshaw fleet has behaved itself, plying with admirable calm amid Delhi’s aggressive traffic. Since even the hand-drawn rickshaw requires a public transport permit, it does need certification. But green solutions don’t need coercive measures like impounding.

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As the government gets down to rekindling growth, it must also think of dealing with its cost, especially vehicular pollution. Unfortunately, India’s cities have a fine tradition of putting down green transport. Kolkata’s iconic rickshaws almost went off the streets in 2005. While scientifically designed cycle-rickshaws are popular novelties in Western cities, India’s urban planners regard the original as a nuisance, an impediment to fast-moving traffic. And now, the government has cracked down on the faster-moving e-rickshaw, too. This is scarcely the way to secure public support for reducing pollution. As growth picks up, the government will need all the support it can get.