SC refuses to extend deadline for conversion of diesel taxis into CNG in Delhi

Referring to previous extentions in deadline, the apex court observed that alternatives should have been thought out by now

The Supreme Court on Saturday refused to give more time to taxi operators in the National Capital Region (NCR) to switch from diesel to the cleaner compressed natural gas (CNG), the deadline for which has been extended twice.

A number of cab operators and their associations urged the court for an extension of the deadline, but a bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur, Justice A K Sikri and Justice R Banumati refused the request.

Referring to the deadline already being extended by a month from March 31 to April 1, the SC observed, "Extensions have been given, you should have thought about alternatives by now".

The Supreme Court also allowed the Delhi Police to purchase heavy duty diesel vehicles to carry out its duties, after it had stopped sale of diesel SUVS and luxury cars with more than 2,000 cc engine capacity in the national capital last year.

Last year, in a desperate bid to cut pollution levels in the national capital, the apex court had banned registration of luxury diesel cars until March 31, 2016. The court had also directed that all taxis in the National Capital Region (NCR) to switch to CNG fuel by March 31.

The Supreme Court held a special hearing to hear several pleas related to its recent rulings to curb pollution in the city, including the plea of major automobile manufacturers seeking the ban on registration of high-end diesel cars with engine capacity of 2000cc in the national capital region to be lifted.

The matter related to steps to be taken to curb alarming increase in air pollution in the national capital.