Chandigarh, Jun 26 (IANS): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday approved the launch of a pilot project for e-vehicles for Ludhiana and Jalandhar along with e-autos for Amritsar in a move to launch environment-friendly public transport in the state.

Chairing a meeting to review development projects in 47 cities, the Chief Minister said apart from providing the best facilities of public transport to the people, these facilities will also play a pivotal role in the protection of the environment.

He said the e-vehicle services will be launched in Ludhiana and Jalandhar as pilot projects, adding that e-autos will be introduced as pilot projects in Amritsar.

Mann said these modes of public transport will also go a long way in solving the problem of traffic congestion in these cities.

The Chief Minister said in a step aimed at solving the problem of stray cattle, the government will soon launch a pilot project in Bathinda and Patiala districts.

Mann said the stray cattle menace poses a grave threat to the life of people due to fatal road accidents.

He said in order to ascertain the need for carrying on any development work for the first time, the government has implemented a project to assess the need for work through artificial intelligence.

He said as a pilot project this has been introduced in Amritsar.

Mann said this model will be replicated in other districts too for ensuring need based development work in the state.

The Chief Minister reviewed the proposed projects worth more than Rs 1,000 crore to be implemented in various cities. He said 100 per cent water supply through canals will be ensured in 47 cities through a project costing Rs 762.45 crore.

Mann said the work on the project is likely to commence by August this year.