Delhi Bans Entry Of Ola, Uber From Other States Amid Worsening Air Quality

Delhi government has restricted the entry of app-based taxis, like Ola, Uber from other states into the capital. This decision was made in response to the deteriorating air quality in the city.

As per an ET report, only taxis registered in Delhi will be permitted to enter the city. This measure was implemented following a Supreme Court order, which highlighted the issue of a significant number of taxis from other states entering the capital with just one passenger.

The court also criticised the ‘odd-even’ scheme, which aimed to address air pollution concerns, labeling it as mere ‘optics.’ The court directed the Delhi government to control the entry of vehicles with orange tags into the city.

Delhi’s Transport Minister, Gopal Rai, mentioned in a press conference that the Delhi government is in the process of compiling a report based on two studies evaluating the effectiveness of the ‘odd-even vehicle’ policy in reducing air pollution.

Additionally, the Supreme Court instructed the Delhi government to oversee and prevent the burning of municipal solid waste within the city or in open areas during the period when GRAP IV is in effect.

At the time of reporting, New Delhi’s real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) for PM 2.5 and PM 10 air pollution levels was recorded at 384. The current PM2.5 concentration in New Delhi is 22.5 times higher than the recommended limit provided by the WHO’s 24-hour air quality guidelines. Just last week, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) breached the 400 mark, reaching 476.

PM2.5 air pollution in New Delhi has been attributed to an estimated 25,000 deaths since January 1, 2021, and has cost the city’s economy approximately $3.7 Bn this year, according to Greenpeace, a non-governmental environmental organisation.