The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) looks to replace its current automobiles that use fossil fuels, with electric vehicles. In the first stage, about 100 such vehicles will be acquired, not just for official purposes, but also for garbage transportation by the Solid Waste Management (SWM) department.
State Environment Minister, Aaditya Thackeray on 13 July, initiated the Maharashtra Electric Vehicles Policy through which utilization of battery-run vehicles is promoted. This is done to reduce the emissions of harmful gases. Immunity from road tax, registration charges and property tax has been given to facilitate this shift.
Based on some narratives, electric cars are better for the environment since it significantly reduces the carbon dioxide emissions.
Reports claim that officials are hopeful to introduce these vehicles for the heads of the civic departments who are eligible for official cars to travel for work, by early next year. Additionally, vehicles for garbage transportation will also fall under this purview. The body is now researching locations on its properties where the charging points can be put. In the first period, 35 charging points will be put which is expected to eventually increase to 100. Solar energy plants may also be installed in this scheme, claim reports.
Some accounts also elucidate that based on the BMC’s data, currently, approximately 200 cars are used for formal purposes by committee chairpersons, deputy municipal commissioners, head of departments, IAS officers and ward officers. Additionally, some 1,600 vehicles are used every day for the transportation of garbage by the concerned department.
By August, five electric vehicles for committee chairpersons that were ordered on rent in May for eight years are anticipated to be delivered.
Also Read: Ajit Pawar Promotes The Use Of Electric Vehicles In Maharashtra
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