Hindustan Times, 21 April 2012, Chandigarh Edition, Page 2
FEROZEPUR: Ecocab, a venture of the Graduates Welfare Association of Fazilka ( GWAF), is in the final 15 entries of SMART Mobility Enterprize Award 2012.
The award to be given away under the University of Michigan ( US) SMART Programme ( Sustainable Mobility, Accessibility Research, and Transformation) i s for best social entrepreneurs and businesses focused on sustainable transportation globally.
“Ecocab is a winner already for being among world 15 greenest projects,” said Navdeep Asija, general secretary of the GWAF, “but to be in the top 3, it needs the votes of the online community.” He made a vote appeal for “Ecocabs Dial- aRickshaw” programme, fourth on the l i st on the website mobiprize. com/ voting.
Each one can vote for three best projects. “Select G- Auto, second entry from India, so best three awards come to India,” said Asija. “People’s support will help out mission globally and give the small town of new popularity and identity.”
In the past, Ecocab had won awards for the best Indian project in non- motorised transport ( NMT) class ( cash prize Rs 5 l akh) and being among the unique practices across India.
Project Fazilka Ecocabs got a boost when on April 28, 2010, the Punjab and Haryana high court took suo motu notice of a news report in an English daily and ordered the governments of Punjab and Haryana, and the administration of Chandigarh to implement the plan in various cities.
The Punjab heritage and tourism promotion board ( PHTPB) had also implemented the Ecocabs project in tourist cities such as Amritsar and Patiala. In both cities, Ecocab pilots are also trained to be tourism guides.
“Our city has set a new trend in local governance and community participation,” said Anil Sethi, president of the Fazilka municipal council. “This award will affirm our commitment to community- based initiatives. Ecocabs i s an example of Gandhiji’s idea of ‘ with less for more, for many’.”
“Ecocab’s green warriors pedal everyday for the sustainability of this planet, said Asija.
