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| Calcutta hit by transport strike | Calcutta hit by transport strike |
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| The operators of private buses and taxis in Calcutta - India's third most populous city - have begun an indefinite strike. | The operators of private buses and taxis in Calcutta - India's third most populous city - have begun an indefinite strike. |
| The action is in protest at a decision by the West Bengal state government to implement a ban on commercial vehicles over 15 years old from 1 August. | The action is in protest at a decision by the West Bengal state government to implement a ban on commercial vehicles over 15 years old from 1 August. |
| The ban, ordered by the Calcutta high court, aims to cut pollution. | The ban, ordered by the Calcutta high court, aims to cut pollution. |
| A study found that 70% of Calcutta's 18 million residents suffer from breathing problems or respiratory disease. | A study found that 70% of Calcutta's 18 million residents suffer from breathing problems or respiratory disease. |
| The bus and taxi owners say they need more time and long-term loans to switch to new vehicles. | The bus and taxi owners say they need more time and long-term loans to switch to new vehicles. |
| But environmentalists say the court case leading to the ban went on for years, and enough time has been allowed. | But environmentalists say the court case leading to the ban went on for years, and enough time has been allowed. |
| The strike will paralyse the city's public transport system and inconvenience tens of thousands of commuters, says the BBC's Subir Bhaumik from Calcutta. | The strike will paralyse the city's public transport system and inconvenience tens of thousands of commuters, says the BBC's Subir Bhaumik from Calcutta. |
| Earlier in the day, West Bengal's transport minister, Subhas Chakraborty, said the government would invoke the provisions of an essential services act in the event of a strike. | Earlier in the day, West Bengal's transport minister, Subhas Chakraborty, said the government would invoke the provisions of an essential services act in the event of a strike. |
| He said the police would seize buses and taxis and force them to operate during the strike or else lose their licences. | He said the police would seize buses and taxis and force them to operate during the strike or else lose their licences. |
| The minister said any violence would be met with adequate force. | The minister said any violence would be met with adequate force. |