Delhi Schools Ring in Early Winter Break, Out-of-State App-Based Cabs Face Ban
New Delhi: The Delhi govt has declared its intent to ban app-based taxis registered in other states as part of ongoing efforts to reduce pollution, following a Supreme Court directive. The Delhi Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, announced the decision, and the transport department has been instructed to issue an order for its implementation.
The Supreme Court raised concerns about the large number of app-based taxis operating in Delhi with registrations in different states. The court emphasized the need for monitoring to ensure that only taxis registered in Delhi are permitted to ply within the city. The transport department is expected to provide specific details regarding the ban.
In response to deteriorating air quality with an air quality index (AQI) registering as “severe,” the Delhi government is taking further actions to mitigate pollution. Additional bus and metro services are being provided to meet the city’s transportation needs.
The government has also requested that schools reschedule their winter vacations to November 9-18. Traditionally, schools schedule winter vacations in the last week of December or the first week of January.
However, the decision to ban out-of-state app-based taxis has raised concerns among industry sources. They worry that this move might result in an increase in the number of private petrol and diesel vehicles on the road and could place additional pressure on public transport.
In addition to the taxi ban, the government has indicated its intent to implement the odd-even car rationing scheme. The effectiveness of this scheme will be reviewed by the Supreme Court before any decision is made. Reports on the scheme’s effectiveness will be submitted to the court, and the government plans to proceed with the scheme based on the court’s directives.
While the government had initially planned to implement the odd-even scheme from November 13, it will now await the court’s guidance for the scheme’s execution. The government cited studies conducted by Harvard University, the University of Chicago, and Delhi Technological University to assess the scheme’s impact.
In summary, the Delhi government is taking various steps to combat pollution and improve air quality, including banning out-of-state app-based taxis and implementing the odd-even car rationing scheme based on the Supreme Court’s guidance. These measures are part of the ongoing efforts to address air quality concerns in the city.
