Agra: To check pollution, chief minister Yogi Adityanath led state government has ordered replacement of over 12,000 diesel operated buses with CNG ones in different phases. Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has started making arrangements in this regard. In first phase, 250 diesel buses operating in the NCR will be replaced with CNG buses.Air pollution has become major concern for the state government with several cities of UP regularly featuring in “very poor” and “severe” category of air quality index bulletins released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). To improve the quality of air, the state government has planned phase-wise replacement of 12,500 diesel buses operating on different routes. UPSRTC has already started deploying CNG buses in the NCR region.Recently CM Yogi Adityanath had flagged off two CNG buses in Lucknow and ordered more such buses to be deployed in different regions.Chief general manager (operation in-charge) HS Gaba said, “Work is on to replace diesel buses with CNG. New CNG operated buses will be purchased. The replacement of old diesel buses will take place in different phases. The move is an initiative to reduce pollution”.In order to curb the rising level of air pollution in Agra which falls under the eco-sensitive Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ), directorate of the urban development on orders of the state government has started process for purchasing electric buses for public transportation in the city.UPSRTC will soon start an electrically-powered, low-floor and air-conditioned passenger bus which will run from the national capital to Taj. With a price tag of Rs 2 crore, one green bus has been received in Agra region. The trial run is yet to take place due to lack of charging facilities as of yet in Agra.Meanwhile, air quality index of Agra on Sunday was recorded to be 399 which was highest in the country and falls in the “very poor” category. Particulate matter 2.5 was the prominent pollutant in the air. According to CPCB, very poor quality of air in the city can result in respiratory illness on prolonged exposure.

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