App-based taxis registered in other states not permitted to enter Delhi

On Wednesday, the Delhi government banned app-based taxis that are registered in other states from coming into the city. Only cabs with Delhi registration numbers will be allowed to operate within the city, according to the Arvind Kejriwal administration. This occurred when the Delhi administration was urged to take action by the Supreme Court (SC), which emphasised that there were too many taxis on Delhi’s roadways, frequently carrying just one customer. On Wednesday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi was 999.

Delhi led the world in terms of pollution, endangering the health of its citizens even before winter and the ensuing smog arrived. With the AQI over 700 in various locations, Delhi-NCR has been suffering from “severe” air pollution.

The Aam Aadmi Party-led administration has implemented urgent action under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as part of its most recent anti-pollution strategy. As part of its Winter Action Plan, the Delhi government has also taken further actions.

Rigorous standards under GRAP Stage 4

The transport minister of Delhi, Kailash Gahlot, noted that polluting vehicles are still entering the city even after GRAP Stage 4 restrictions were put in place because of the dangerously low air quality. He gave the go-ahead for inspectors to thoroughly scrutinise vehicles at border crossings. Restrictions associated with GRAP Stage 4 include prohibiting the entry of trucks that cause pollution into the capital and all construction operations. Gahlot further emphasised that the Supreme Court is keeping a careful eye on Delhi’s pollution levels and issued a warning that any neglect might have dire repercussions.

Smog towers should be active, as directed by the Supreme Court

The Delhi smog towers need to be active immediately, and the top court requested on Tuesday that the government take the necessary steps. A video that appeared to be of a closed pollution tower at Connaught Place, Delhi, went viral on social media last week. The Delhi government and the Centre engaged in a blame game as a result of the closed air purifier. Smog towers are buildings that lower air pollution particles and function as large-scale air cleaners. The air quality is also monitored.

The National Capital Region (NCR), which includes Delhi, is struggling with an increase in air pollution, haze, and general declining air quality. In order to mitigate air pollution issues in the National Capital Region (NCR), particularly in October and November, the Supreme Court has been offering advice to the corresponding governments. The Supreme Court has also requested a comprehensive document outlining the steps done to reduce air pollution from Delhi and four other states: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan