Delhi government imposes ban on app-based taxis services following SC's directive to curb air pollution

• Delhi government imposes ban on app-based taxi services, only allowing cabs with Delhi registration numbers to operate within the city
• SC's directive prompts government action, as concerns over air pollution in the national capital continue to escalate
• Court questions the efficacy of the earlier vehicle rationing scheme, labeling it as mere "optics"

The Delhi government has issued a sweeping order to prohibit the operation of app-based taxi services within the city, with only cabs bearing Delhi registration numbers are permitted to continue providing services. The decision was taken after the Supreme Court asked the Delhi government to consider banning app-based taxis in the national capital as a means to control air pollution.

This latest development adds to the series of measures taken by the government to address the pressing pollution crisis in the national capital. Earlier, the authorities had introduced a vehicle rationing scheme as a means to tackle the alarming levels of pollution. However, the effectiveness of the scheme was questioned by the Supreme Court, which labeled it as mere "optics" and raised doubts about its success rate in mitigating pollution levels. In a pointed query, the court inquired about the scheme's track record, questioning whether the previous implementations of the odd-even scheme had yielded tangible results in curbing the hazardous levels of pollution in Delhi.

With the air quality in Delhi deteriorating to hazardous levels and posing a significant threat to public health, the move to restrict app-based taxis represents a key step in the government's efforts to implement more stringent measures aimed at reducing pollution levels and safeguarding the well-being of the city's residents.