Auto-cracy thrives on the streets of Dhanbad.

For, around 3,000 out of nearly 10,000 auto-rickshaws that ply on multiple routes in the district are yet to adopt the colour code decided upon by state government in February.

"We are pursuing the issue with each member of auto associations on a daily basis," president of Dhanbad Auto Mahasangh Rajendra Prasad Vishwakarma said about colouring three-wheelers green as per the new rule.

"Some auto drivers, which are yet to change colour, are facing financial crisis and have sought time. We had requested the district transport department in March to provide a month's time but we didn't get any reprieve," he added.

According to the rules, autos driven by women are meant to be coloured pink. But, as of now Dhanbad has no woman auto driver.

District transport officer Ravi Raj Sharma said they had already sent reminders to auto associations."We have instructed all auto associations to follow the colour code as early as possible. If needed, we will launch drives to take action against the auto-rickshaws still sporting black and yellow colours," he added.

Some auto drivers welcomed the colour diktat, as it would help keep unauthorised autos out of municipal limits.

"Besides giving fresh look to autos, the colour diktat will help to prevent the entry of autos from outside the DMC jurisdiction and thus prevent traffic snarls," said Santosh Rawani, who plies his auto between Jharia and Dhanbad.

Commuters said the autos must follow the diktat to avoid confusion.

"Different colours of autos create confusion among people. Autos must paint them green as soon as possible," said Biswajit Bhattacharjee, a lawyer practicing in Dhanbad court.