Punjab Bans Motorcycle Rickshaws to Combat Air Pollution

The CM of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz approved a series of measures to reduce environmental damage on 27th November. One of the main decisions is to put a complete ban on the production of motorcycle rickshaws (Qingqi) in the Punjab.

The approval came during a special meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Anti-Smog, presided over by Maryam Nawaz. The meeting resulted in several decisions intended to tackle the growing issue of air pollution in the province’s major cities, which continue to experience hazardous levels of smog, with many Punjab cities staying over 200 IQ in this season. 

Maryam also directed all government departments to purchase only electric or hybrid vehicles, including motorbikes, and no department of Punjab will be allowed to buy an ICE engine car unless it’s an HEV.

Question on the Ban on Production of Motorcycle Rickshaws

While it’s appreciated that the Punjab Government is implementing many reforms and working hard to control air quality, and that its initiatives are better than those of other provinces in this regard, we don’t understand the rationale for imposing a ban solely on motorcycle rickshaws. 

On the roads, Many other vehicles, such as motorcycles, cars, and trucks, contribute to carbon emissions, and their numbers far exceed those of motorcycle rickshaws. So, why single out motorcycle rickshaws? Moreover, it’s worth noting that motorcycle rickshaws use the engine of a 100cc motorcycle, yet there is no ban on 70cc or 125cc motorcycles.

Read out other blogs on EPA and AQI-related topics.