Sky Is Clear, No Need To Extend Odd-Even Scheme In Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that there was no need to extend the odd-even scheme as the ‘sky was clear’. Citing the improved air quality, Kejriwal said that there was no reason why the car-rationing scheme should be reintroduced. However, he stressed on the fact that it was the decision taken for the moment and the officials can rethink on the plan in case the situation worsens. The third edition of the odd-even road rationing rule implemented due to poor air quality in Delhi ended on Friday. The anti-pollution measure kicked-in on November 4 as the city’s air quality reached the "severe" category.

The Supreme Court on Friday said that the odd-even car rationing scheme was not a permanent solution in battle against pollution in Delhi-NCR. The top court said that the odd-even only affects the lower middle class but not the affluent ones since they have multiple cars. Instead of odd-even, better public transport could be the answer but nothing has been done about that, the apex court observed. "We can try to control pollution but nature isn't in our control. This is what happens when nature is misused," remarked the apex court.

The number of challans issued for violations of the rule during nine days, excluding Sunday, was comparatively less this time than its previous editions. A total of 4,885 violators were fined this time. The violators were fined Rs 4,000 each.

The odd-even rule was lifted on November 11 and 12 to ensure hassle-free commute on the occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. The scheme was first introduced from January 1-15, 2016 and implemented again from April 15-30 in the same year. The rule was exempted on two Sundays each in the first two editions.

A total of 10,021 and 7,300 challans were issued in the first two editions, respectively. The fine for violation of the scheme was earlier Rs 2,000, which has been hiked as per the amended Motor Vehicle Act. The dip in the number of violations this year has been ascribed to higher compliance by Delhi motorists, by the AAP government.