A delegation of taxi owners led by representatives of the two major taxi associations, offered this assurance to the Environment Secretary Satish Tripathi at a meeting in the Mantralaya today. The tradeoff apparently is a stay on any implementation of the Delhi model banning commercial vehicles older than 15 years, which is already being contemplated by the state transport department.

``Taxi drivers are very enthusiastic about CNG engines since they are economical and involve low maintainence,'' said A L Quadros of the Mumbai Taximens' Union.

However, the switchover is subject to an increase in the number of CNG stations. At present there are just eight CNG stations in the city at Mumbai Central, Agripada, Arthur Road, Vile Parle, Kurla, Chembur, Wadala and Sakinaka which refill a fleet ofnearly 9000 CNG taxis.

``CNG engines will increase NOX emissions (various nitrogen oxides) but the tradeoff is the reduction of the suspended particulate matter from ordinary engines,'' Tripathi said adding that 15 more CNG stations would be set up in the next four months.

Several important decisions to intensify of the Pollution Under Control (PUC) drive were taken in today's meeting called by the state environment department concerned about the deteriorating air quality in the city. It was attended by Additional Commissioner (Traffic) S P S Yadav, Transport Commissioner Vijay Mathankar, senior BMC officials, representatives of the Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL).

Quadros said that his union was already financing the cost of conversion of taxis and installation of the imported CNG kits which cost Rs 38,000. However, the diesel taxis will not be converted.

``To some extent we are lacking (in pollution control norms),'' Quadros admitted. He said that the union would also provide monetary help foroverhauling taxi engines.

Amongst other decisions, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is to provide petrol pumps in the city with the ambient air quality readouts of different areas to increase popular awareness.

Coordination amongst agencies in the PUC drive is to be increased. The Additional CP (Traffic) will now send polluting vehicles to the Transport Commissioner for levying fines and even suspension of licenses for habitual offenders.

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) will also provide funds to the traffic police for the purchase of equipment, costing Rs 3 lakh each, to conduct tests on polluting vehicles.