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Transport strike unsettles India's commercial capital

Over 100,000 autorickshaws, 50,000 private and public taxis and around 75,000 goods vehicles in western Indian state of Maharashtra took a seven-day off from Sunday midnight.

They are protesting the transport commissioner's move to implement a high court order asking initiation of measures for pollution control.

The strike call was given last week by Bombay-based transport unions operating autorickshaws, taxis, truck and tempos. The state government's decision to implement an anti-pollution drive would slap a spot fine of Rs 1,000 on erring motorists.

The Bombay high court had recently issued directives to the government of Maharashtra and other agencies to comply with the conditions set by it to restrict the smoke-level of vehicles on city roads to desired parameters.

The agitation is being carried out despite an appeal by the state government to several trade unionists to backtrack their decision.

Transport Minister Shivajirao Moghe has cautioned that the strike could fuel increase in the cost of essential commodities, much to the misery of the common man.

The state government has chalked out steps to deal with the strikers. They include requisitioning of vehicles to transport essential commodities. This task is being planned to be carried out by Bombay, Bombay suburban and Raigad district collectors. They have also been issued instructions to ensure steady supply of milk and other essential commodites.

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