The flag-off marks the launch of the new converters on two wheeler scooters in Delhi to create mass awareness among the people about the benefits of the indigenously developed device and protect the environment.

Complimenting the Indian Oil and the Associated Cement Corporation for collaboration in this project, Kapoor said the new technology would be the most significant initiative in the country in checking pollution caused by the two stroke engines of two and three wheelers.

Indian Oil's Director (Marketing) O N Marwaha said the two and three wheelers with two stroke engines were a major source of pollution in India. Although such converter was mandatory for the users from April 1, 1995, two andthree wheelers continued to be sold without converters since suitable technology for developing the converters was not available indigenously.

Elaborating on the merits of the new catalytic converters, Bhatnagar (Director) Research and Development in the Indian Oil, said this innovation would help reduce emission of more than 50 per cent carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon in Delhi. The technology had a definite edge over the imported technology for the device used for passenger vehicles in the country, he added.

To meet the huge anticipated demand, Indian Oil and ACC planned to set up a semi-commercial plant for producing up to half-a-million catalytic converters in the first phase. The capacity would be increased depending on demand for the device.