Protests Erupt Over Petrol Supply Decision, Transport Association Calls for More Measures

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Kishan Verma, president of the All Delhi Auto-Taxi Transport Congress Union, stated that if the government is genuinely concerned about pollution, it should conduct fitness checks on vehicles that have exceeded their lifespan. He argued that vehicles that meet the required standards should still be allowed to operate on the roads. Verma criticized the government's decision to stop providing petrol and diesel, calling it inappropriate. Sanjay Samrat, president of the Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transport Association, expressed opposition to the government's decision to halt the provision of petrol and diesel. He emphasized that the plan to scrap vehicles after a certain period has been controversial from the start. Samrat pointed out that taxi drivers often spend five to seven years paying off installments for a new diesel taxi, only to see the vehicle turned into junk after ten years. He suggested that additional measures should be taken to combat pollution and confirmed plans to protest against the decision.

Shyam Lal Gola, general secretary of the All India Luxury Bus Union, acknowledged that the move could help reduce pollution, but argued that vehicles in good condition should still be allowed to operate on the roads. Chandu Chaurasia, president of the Capital Driver Welfare Association, also disagreed with the decision to stop providing petrol and diesel to vehicles. He noted that some vehicles, despite having completed their lifespan, do not contribute significantly to pollution. Chaurasia warned that thousands of vehicles could be forced into the scrap heap due to this order and called for alternative arrangements to be made.