Odd-even scheme may be back as pollution level rises, says Delhi transport minister

In a bid to combat rising pollution levels, Delhi government may implement the odd-even scheme again that restricts the number of cars on the road.

"With the increase in pollution levels in Delhi, the government may have to resort to emergency measures, including the odd-even scheme", Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said.

As per the reports, in a letter addressed to the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and senior officials of his ministry, Gahlot on Wednesday had asked them to be "fully geared up" for implementation of the odd-even scheme "as and when" it is announced.

Under the scheme, odd and even numbered vehicles based on the last digit of the their registration number ply on roads on alternate days.

The method was adopted twice in 2016 - from January 1-15 and April 15-30. It can be implemented when air pollution levels are in the 'emergency' category for 48 hours or more.

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Last week, the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA), a body empowered to enforce the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), had said it would not hesitate to enforce the 'odd-even' plan, order cars off roads, and shut schools if needed.

GRAP was notified by the Centre in January this year following an order by the apex court in November 2016.

EPCA has already taken tough measures like shutting the Badarpur thermal power plant and brick kilns and banning generators after air pollution levels hit the 'Very Poor' and 'Severe' categories.

(With PTI inputs)

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— Kailash Gahlot (@kgahlot) October 26, 2017