Umesh Dewan
Tribune News Service
Patiala, April 13
Going by an overwhelming response from the people and rickshaw-pullers in Amritsar, Patiala and Fazilka, the Chief Secretary, SC Agarwal, has shot off letters to all Deputy Commissioners of the state, directing them to explore the possibility of introducing the eco-rickshaw cab scheme, in their respective districts.
The highlight of the scheme is that people get the rickshaw service on a telephone call at nominal rates. Besides, the eco-rickshaw cabs are equipped with FM Radio sets, first-aid kits and the rickshaws are made of metal only.
The letter, written to the DCs by the Chief Secretary, reads, “Since the district tourism promotion council, Amritsar, and DC, Ferozepur, have reported that the eco-rickshaw cab scheme has received a positive response, you are requested to explore the possibilities and step further in implementation of the eco-rickshaw cab scheme in your district.”
Notably, in 2008, Fazilka got the distinction of being the first district of the state, wherein an initiative of providing eco-friendly bicycle rickshaw service to the people, was taken by the Graduates’ Welfare Association of Fazilka, in collaboration with an NGO. Later, in October 2010, an NGO, Patiala Foundation, launched this service in the royal city of Patiala. Thereafter, the service was launched in Amritsar by the district administration, in collaboration with the Tourism Department.
