Imphal, Sept 1(FN Representative) Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Tuesday distributed E-cart waste collection vehicles to various Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of the State at a solemn function organized by Department of MAHUD, Government of Manipur at City Convention Centre. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Biren stated that the government has taken up various measures to promote the use of electric vehicles to tackle global warming and climate change. He maintained that the e-vehicles are economically and environmentally advantageous as compared to conventional fuel powered vehicles. Considering the environmental benefits of electric vehicles, he added, the government is signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a manufacturing company for setting up of a manufacturing unit for the production of e-vehicles such as e-rickshaw, e-mini-truck etc. in the State.
He expressed his belief that such an initiative is a step to replace the existing garbage collection vehicles by eco-friendly vehicles. It may be mentioned that the vehicles are procured under the Project “Management of Solid waste on Regional Basis (Cluster-B) in Manipur” under NLCPR scheme funded by the Ministry of DoNER, Government of India. The total cost of the project is Rs. 13.52 crores. The Department of MAHUD is the implementing agency of the project. 75 E-carts are being given to seven Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) viz. Thoubal Municipal Council, Lilong (Thoubal) Municipal Council, Yairipok Municipal Council, Wangjing Lamding Municipal Council, Sikhong Sekmai Municipal Council, Andro Municipal Council and Heirok Municipal Council.