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Calcutta hit by transport strike Calcutta hit by transport strike
(10 minutes later)
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.