Though the Delhi government had professed a wish to introduce eco-friendly fuel, diesel-run Mahindra jeeps were introduced to replace the phatphatias running between Connaught Place and Chandini Chowk. The EPA has suggested that eco-friendly Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) should be the chosen fuel. They believe that after Bombay's success with CNG-run taxis, Delhi could follow suit.

``In Bombay there are only four CNG outlets, whereas in Delhi there are nine existing outlets. These are completely under-utilised,'' said Dilip Biswas, chairman, Central Pollution Control Board. The decision was taken after repeated correspondence with the Ministry of Petroleum asking them to upgrade the fuel quality, especially deisel.

The Minister for Environment and Forests, Suresh Prabhu, had written to the Ministry of Petroleum asking them to adopt a policy on fuel additives again. He asked that the Benzene content in petrol be brought down from 5 per cent to at least 3 per cent.

In diesel, the sulphur content was to be reduced. If this was not possible, it was to be imported from other countries. Diesel commercial vehicles would undo all that we have done so far,'' added Biswas. Apparently the Ministry of Transport was to have a meeting on February 11 in which they were to take a decision to impose a life ban on diesel taxis. The decision would effect at least 2,000 taxis.

Members of the EPA want attractive incentives to be offered to people to encourage them to buy these new technology taxis so that operators do not mind the extra cost.