Lucknow, April 24 (Agency) The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a week-long drive against operators of illegal taxis, buses and auto rickshaw stands in different cities, officials informed on Sunday. On the directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the home department has been directed to carry out the drive. All the Police Commissioners, District Magistrates, Senior Superintendent of Police and SPs have been asked to submit a detailed report with the government. In the order issued by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi it has been stated that information has been received that in some districts illegal taxi, auto and bus stands are being operated near busiest crossings which not only creates problem of traffic jams, but also creates possibility of accidents. He said that at some places mafia type elements extort money under the guise of operating illegal taxi, auto and bus stands and scuffle with drivers.
“To check such incidents and to ensure smooth flow of traffic a week-long drive should be launched,” he has directed. It has been directed to form a joint team of the administration and police to stop and remove illegal stands and to take legal action against the operators. “The operators of such stands should be identified as mafias and action under the Gangster Act and UP Goonda Act should be taken against them,” the ACS has directed. It has been directed to submit a detailed combined report of the administration and police by April 30 after which the results of the drive will be reviewed by the state government.