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States » NorthPosted at: Apr 17 2025 1:30AM


Scrap diesel buses older than 15 years, replace with e-buses: Yogi

Lucknow, Apr 16 (UNI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday directed that it should be ensured that no diesel or CNG buses older than 15 years are used; they should be scrapped and replaced with electric buses.
While reviewing the projects being run by the Urban Development Department, the CM said, "The initiative to promote environmentally friendly clean-fuel buses in urban transport is yielding positive results. Currently, 700 electric buses are operating across 15 cities. It must be ensured that no diesel or CNG buses older than 15 years are used. Such buses should be scrapped and replaced with electric buses."
He said that private operators of electric buses should also be given opportunities in city bus services. "Their fare should be regulated in view of the wider public interest. Proper parking spaces and fixed routes should be assigned to them. These private e-buses should be connected to nearby towns. This can become an effective model for urban transport," he said.
Yogi said that the vehicle parking in cities is becoming increasingly challenging. "Parking arrangements must be planned based on demand, location and time. Parking fees should be uniform. Monthly passes should be issued for local traders, shop employees and office staff. It must be strictly ensured that no illegal collection is done anywhere in the name of parking across the state," he directed.
He said that there should be uniformity in the placement of advertisement hoardings in cities. "Dangerous hoardings should be replaced with electronic display boards. All illegal hoardings must be removed immediately. Clear regulations should be in place for all urban local bodies. This can also serve as a good source of revenue for them. It must be ensured that no hoarding distorts or disrespects statues or images of great men," he said.
The CM said that there is no uniformity in the fees charged by municipal corporations, municipalities, and town councils for matters related to property transfer, registration, and wills.
"A system should be created to ensure a standardised process and uniform fee structure across all municipal bodies," he said.
He said that the state government has planned to develop all municipal bodies located in district headquarters as 'smart municipalities'. "These smart municipalities will focus on digital governance and value-added citizen services such as monitoring of air and water pollution, tracking of water logging issues, smart parking, smart lighting systems, exhibition centres, auditoriums, vending zones, digital libraries and promotion of renewable energy projects aimed at improving ease of living. There should be healthy competition among these municipalities. A budget has already been allocated, and a detailed action plan should be prepared," he said.
Yogi said that the Shivalik Park built in Prayagraj using waste materials has become a major attraction for devotees and tourists. "It serves as a good model. On similar lines, a grand 'Krishna Lok' park in Mathura-Vrindavan and a 'Lavkush Park' along with a 'Shri Purushottam Darshan Experience Centre' in Ayodhya should be developed using city waste and metal scrap," he said.
He said, "These parks should depict stories from the lives of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna and Lav-Kush through 3D interactive models and light-and-sound shows. These will become key tourist and pilgrim attractions."
He said that the issue of stray dog bites is becoming serious, for which a permanent solution must be found. "There should be no shortage of manpower in municipal bodies. All vacant positions should be filled without delay. If staff is to be hired through outsourcing, the process should be completed quickly," he said.
The CM directed that all municipal bodies must make solid efforts to increase their revenue. "After Lucknow, Ghaziabad and Agra, now Varanasi and Prayagraj municipal corporations will issue municipal bonds this month. Preparations should also be made for Gorakhpur, Meerut and Kanpur to issue municipal bonds in this financial year," he said.
He directed that before the rainy season starts, all urban bodies should improve their drainage systems. "Make sure there is no waterlogging. Build new drains if necessary," he said.
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Tags: #Scrap diesel buses older than 15 years# replace with e-buses: Yogi
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