PESHAWAR, Sept 16: As if thousands of auto-rickshaws were not enough to create traffic congestion and environmental pollution, a private firm is negotiating with the provincial government for the introduction of motorcycle rickshaws in the provincial metropolis.

Sources in the provincial ministry of environment told Dawn that the management of a private company recently held a series of meetings with the authorities concerned, including provincial minister and secretary environment, to convince the government to introduce motorcycle rickshaws in the city.

Motorcycle rickshaws are being considered in the city at a time when the government is working out a plan to get rid of auto-rickshaws to reduce the level of environmental pollution and overcome traffic chaos in the city.

Studies conducted by different independent organizations revealed that the level of noise, air and dust pollution had been found above the National Environmental Quality Standard in Peshawar.

In many areas of the city, environmental pollution has reached an alarmingly high level due to increasing number of light and heavy vehicles. The induction of motorcycle rickshaw would cause further pollution, an official said.

At present, around 10,000 registered and some 6,000 unregistered auto-rickshaws are plying on the congested roads which become a major source of noise and air pollution in the city.

Keeping in view the increasing level of environmental pollution in the city the provincial government had already banned registration of new auto-rickshaws, the official said.