The Times of India 04.05.2013
Solar cab to lift home waste
as ‘soleckshaw’, the non-polluting vehicle (paddy cab) has been
designed and promoted by Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
(CSIR). “The small vehicle will help us cover more area in a short
time. The paddy cab can move easily in narrow streets where BMC tractors cannot ply smoothly,” mayor A N Jena said.
TOI was first to carry a report on November 24 about BMC’s plans for
promoting solar rickshaw in the city. “A company gave us a demonstration
of the rickshaw and the garbage-lifting vehicle. Finally we have
decided to introduce the garbage-lifting vehicle, which will match our
work profile,” Jena said.
The ‘paddy cab’ can carry nearly 250
kg garbage. Solar apart, the vehicle’s battery can also be charged with
electricity. When the battery backup goes out, the driver can use the
pedal. Sources said the vehicle, which costs around Rs 1.2 lakh, can ply
at a speed of 35 km/hr.
While BMC would purchase one vehicle
in the first phase, it has sought corporate help to buy more vehicles.
“We have requested corporate houses to donate two or three vehicles as
part of their CSR activity. We will allow the donors to display their
company names on these vehicles for brand promotion,” Jena said.