From September 1, Patna will see a ban on diesel-run school buses. This move is aimed at improving the city’s air quality, which has deteriorated in recent years. The ban will affect schools across the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) area as well as in nearby regions like Danapur, Khagaul, and Phulwari Sharif Nagar Parishad.
Patna Bans Diesel School Buses
Diesel-run school buses have been a common sight in Patna. However, the majority of these buses are outdated and heavily polluting. Currently, less than 10% of school buses run on compressed natural gas (CNG). This figure highlights the challenge ahead, as the city transitions to a cleaner, more sustainable transport system for its schoolchildren.
Parents and guardians have welcomed the ban. For years, they have been concerned about the harmful emissions from diesel buses. Research has consistently shown the negative impact of diesel emissions on children. Health and environmental experts have warned about the risks, especially for young children whose lungs are still developing. The new policy is seen as a positive step towards protecting children’s health in Patna.
Challenges Of The Transition
However, the transition is not without challenges. Bus owners have been slow to embrace CNG. The conversion from diesel to CNG requires investment, and many operators are reluctant to make the switch. A private school principal, speaking anonymously, mentioned that the school’s efforts to persuade bus owners have largely been ignored.
This ban on diesel school buses is part of a broader effort by the Bihar government to phase out diesel-run public transport in Patna. The city has already banned diesel auto-rickshaws and town buses. Currently, only CNG-run auto-rickshaws and buses operate in Patna. Even the PMC has switched its vehicles to CNG. The ban on diesel-run autos came into effect in April 2021, and town buses followed in September 2023.
The government is also offering financial incentives to bus owners who switch to CNG. The clean energy scheme provides subsidies for those willing to make the conversion. As of now, Patna has over 36 CNG filling stations, and this number is expected to double by next year.
Patna District Magistrate Chandrasekhar Singh has warned of strict action against anyone violating the ban. The enforcement will be carried out under section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The shift to CNG is not just a legal requirement but a step towards a healthier future for the city.
Cover Image Courtesy: Flickr
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