Show the world Delhi is green city, says CM, Sheila Dikshit

So what the Delhi Auto Expo is over? Delhi's romance with electric vehicles has not ended.

The 2010 Eco Meet, the annual environmental expo hosted by the Delhi government, began on Tuesday, offering yet another pit-stop for spirited discussions on electric scooters and bikes.

All the major makers of electric scooters and cycles are showcasing their products at the meet this year.

Delhi's affinity for emission-free mode of personal mobility is reflected in the subsidy offered by the environment department to electric vehicles.

“Without the subsidy, the products would have been a few thousand rupees costlier here,” said Sushil Chhetry of Hero Electric.

On display are electric cycles, scooters of various types and even rickshaws.

“The market potential in Delhi is huge,” said Lalit, of Avon Electric Scoot and Cycles.

“By the middle of this year, more electric scooters will be seen on Delhi streets.”

Reva, the oldest electric car to enjoy the Delhi government subsidy, is also on offer.

The annual eco meet is a platform that allows the government to flaunt its “green quotient” in schools.

“We have been running this meet for nine years. This is a crucial year because of Commonwealth Games,” said Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit after inaugurating the event.

“We have to show the world that Delhi is a green city. And the eco meet shows that very well.”

As the chief minister stressed on the importance of the Commonwealth Games that begin in October this year, the official Games mascot Shera was happy interacting with visitors and playing with wide-eyed children all day long.

This was Shera's second public outing after the mascot's recent appearance in select malls in the city.

The weeklong event being held at Bal Bhawan at ITO also has students exhibiting some remarkable green initiatives they have been part of in their respective schools.