Unaddressed demands: Doon Auto Rickshaw Union to march to CM residence on Jan 20

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun 

To push for their long-standing demands, the Doon Auto Rickshaw Union are set to march and gherao the chief minister’s residence on January 20.  Their principal concern is the operation of two-wheelers on online platforms, adversely affecting the income of the CNG auto rickshaws. They demand the State government to step in and stop this operation immediately. There are a few other demands too.    

Speaking on the matter, the president of the union, Pankaj Arora said that the unhindered operation of two-wheelers on online platforms has been substantially eating into the income of the CNG auto rickshaw drivers. “Despite being aware of our plight, the authorities continue to show apathy and this is what has forced us to take up the path of agitation to make the authorities wake up,” he said.  

He said that these two-wheelers do not comply with the necessary permits, fitness checks and regulations that CNG auto rickshaws must adhere to.

Further, the union demands the registration of electronic auto rickshaws be halted for at least 10 years. “Their numbers keep spiraling and it is time to stop this,” said Arora.  

He flagged another important demand of theirs-expansion of the permit radius. “This should be raised from 25 km to 40 km. Besides, the CNG auto drivers must be allowed to transport passengers to and from Jolly Grant Airport,” he said.

Arora further said that e-rickshaws currently operating on the main roads of the city should instead be allowed to operate on the interior roads only as outlined in the government’s Gazette Notification. “Despite multiple discussions with the administration, the rules specified in the Gazette Notification are yet to be implemented,” he said. He also emphasised the need for a fitness centre in the central part of Dehradun district.  

“Our patience with the authorities is wearing thin due to their prolonged inaction and indifference. So, the union has decided to hold a march and gherao  CM residence on January 20. The march will begin from the Race Course. A large number of individuals concerned from Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh areas will participate in the protest march,” he declared.

Arora warned that if their demands are not addressed following this protest, they would escalate their actions.