HARIPUR, Oct 31: Local auto- mechanic Jehangir claims to have successfully converted the old-fashioned tri-wheeler into country’s first environment-friendly auto-rickshaw.

He has offered his services for serial conversions if he is supported by government agencies concerned.

During a visit to Jehangir Azam’s workshop on the invitation of Rural Development Project (RDP) and Human Development Organization (HDO) two Haripur-based civil society organizations (CSOs) striving to introduce a modified design of environment-friendly machine, it was observed that the auto-rickshaw introduced by Mr Azam is smokeless, noiseless and its sound frequency is within the permissible limits under the National Environmental Quality Standards.

“I couldn’t sleep for several nights because of ear piercing noise of rickshaws when for the first time my family relocated to existing apartment on top of the workshop,” he said, adding that since then he had tried various options to make the existing design as human and environment-friendly.

Undeterred by numerous impediments, Azam continued his struggle for devising a mechanism that people got rid of smoke and noise pollution. “One morning of December 2003 my eight month-long effort came true when the first-ever converted machine came on road,” he said.

Explaining his mechanism, he said that he buys 500cc imported engine from the junk shop for Rs 3,000 to 3,500 and fixes it into the body of ordinary rickshaw with little alteration.

Kabaris, he said import these discarded small engines from Japan and sell them to mechanics in parts as it cannot be used in pick-ups owing to its smaller size.

Azam said that a full fledge tri-wheeler with new four-stroke engine, an imported CNG kit, new wiring and steel body costs Rs 110,000 while just alteration of engine, change of wiring needs Rs 60,000. He said that an ordinary rickshaw is available for Rs 80,000 to 100,000 which is a constant source of trouble for general public.

“Supporting his claim he said that the machine introduced by him has a four-stroke 500cc engine against 165cc two-stroke engine in ordinary machine, which causes harm to the eco system.