The Hindu 31.05.2010
MCD not to renew tonga licences
Staff Reporter
| Plans to rehabilitate owners |
NEW DELHI: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has decided not to renew the licences of tongawallas or owners of horse drawn carriages that expire on Monday. In lieu, the civic body plans to implement a rehabilitation scheme for their owners.The civic body had earlier stated that the age-old mode of transport which had long been seen as one of the causes for increasing traffic congestion in the Walled City of Delhi would be phased out.There are 232 licenced tonga owners in the city apart from 26 that have been plying without permission from the civic body. These tongas ply in areas such as Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, trans-Yamuna areas, near Old Delhi railway station, Minto Road and Delhi Gate.The MCD had earlier unveiled a Rs.35 lakh rehabilitation scheme for the tonga owners and stated that it would provide tehbazaris and financial assistance to them for purchase of CNG goods carriage auto-rickshaws. The policy was given a go-ahead at an MCD Standing Committee meeting in November.
