Dhankuta, March 11

Transport entrepreneurs in Dhankuta today said the government decision to remove vehicles, which are more than 20-years old, would not be acceptable to them.

Koshi Hilly Taxi Association of Dhankuta said at a press meet that the government decision to remove old vehicles from March 15 without rendering relief would not be acceptable.

Association Chairman Amit Lo Tamang condemned the government as the taxis are operated mostly by common labourers for the livelihood of their families. “The government decision to remove black-plated vehicles alone shows it is hell-bent on increasing poverty and unemployment in the country,” Tamang added.

Taxi entrepreneurs from Dhankuta, Sankhuwasabha, Terhathum, Bhojpur and Sunsari were present at the press meet. The association warned it would take to the street if the government went ahead with its decision.

The association claimed that taxis were the most safe and major vehicles plying around plain and gravelled roads in the hilly and mountainous districts. Taxi Entrepreneurs’ Association Sunsari Chief Amar Budhathorki said that it was erroneous to believe that only black-plated vehicles would emit harmful gases. “The government is trying to kill impoverished people by deciding to remove vehicles more than 20 years old”, he added.

Chainpur Taxi Entrepreneurs’ Association Sankhuwasabha Chair Ashim Shakya said the government should check pollution not fix vehicle’s age for environment protection.