GHMC set to switch to CNG vehicles

The old vehicles often involve in accidents leading to loss of life. In order to provide job security to drivers, GHMC plans to purchase new CNG vehicles

​Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has decided to phase out 187 garbage vehicles, which are above 15 years old and replace them with compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. Officials claim that CNG vehicles improve city sanitation and reduce fuel consumption. In addition, they also decrease the pollution levels when compared to diesel vehicles.

The civic body has been using about 660 heavy vehicles to transport garbage from various collection points to dumping yard at Jawaharnagar. The corporation, during July last year, had identified as many as 279 vehicles which are more than 15 year old.

The civic body has decided to phase out all old vehicles in a phased manner. Some of the old vehicles, in road accidents in recent past, claimed some lives. Citing this, the corporation has decided to phased out as many as 187 vehicles and replace them with CNG vehicles.

When contacted, a senior GHMC official told The Hans India that the civic body, during current financial year, has already phased out 92 old vehicles. He said that the corporation, rather than hiring the vehicles, has decided to purchase new vehicles.

The corporation would continue to use the services of existing drivers and sanitation staff. The official said if the vehicles are hired, the drivers would be recruited by private agencies. In order ensure job security, the corporation is contemplating to purchase new vehicles.

The GHMC official further said that the corporation has been maintaining about 450 own vehicles to carry the garbage.

He said that all own vehicles would be replaced with CNG on priority basis in phased manner. He said that this would notminimise the fuel consumption charges but also decrease the pollution levels in the city.