Besides, in a bid to make Chandigarh pollution-free, Chandigarh administrator S.F. Rodrigues distributed cheques to those auto-rickshaw operators who wish to install an LPG-kit in their vehicle or buy a new LPG-run auto-rickshaw.

Chandigarh administration has signed a memorandum of understanding with Delhi Financial Corporation for extending easy loan facilities to these operators.

'In Chandigarh, there will be no diesel or petrol-run auto-rickshaw after Aug 31 as per our agreement with auto-rickshaw drivers' union. We are ready to offer any kind of financial help to them in this venture,' stated Niwas.

Delhi Financial Corporation Chairman and Managing Director X.K. Mahto said: 'We had made a successful experiment of financing 5,000 LPG auto-rickshaws in Delhi and the recovery rate is around 98 percent. We will extend financial assistance to 500 LPG auto-operators in Chandigarh on easy terms.'