While the government is trying to introduce compressed natural gas (CNG) to contain air pollution in the city, a section of the green brigade is raising questions over the government’s intent to fight the foul air.

“The government should first implement its order and ban all three-wheelers, including autorickshaws plying in the Calcutta Metropolitan area, that fail to comply with LPG BSII mass emission standards,” said S.M. Ghosh of Calcutta Green Network at a press conference on Friday.

Though he admitted that a switch to CNG — or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) — from conventional fuels like petrol and diesel was necessary, he wanted the government to discuss the issue with experts on auto emission before taking a final decision on CNG.

“The government’s plan of bringing in CNG through a pipeline is neither cost-effective nor technically feasible,” said Ghosh, suggesting that LPG was a better option.

Representatives from the LPG dealers’ industry echoed Ghosh.

“We already have 13 LPG stations in and around the city, which are capable of catering to the needs of a majority of the vehicles plying on city roads…Then, LPG is cheaper in comparison to CNG and conversion is cost-effective. So, there is no logic behind bringing in an alternative fuel,” pointed out Sharad Jhawar of Greater Calcutta Gas Kit Dealers Forum.