Delhi Air Pollution: NGT gives Kejriwal Govt green signal to implement odd-even scheme

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Saturday gave its nod to the Delhi govt to implement the odd even scheme with an underlying objective to improve the dismal air quality which has triggered a spree of health issues for the citizens in the National Capital region.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Saturday heard the Delhi government’s arguments on the scheme's effectiveness and accordingly took its decision.

NGT directed all the neighboring state governments and departments to ensure complete mechanism during environmental emergency, says don’t wait for crisis situation. The tribunal Also directed various departments and executing agencies for better cooperation and coordination including Delhi police.

NGT directed "Odd Even scheme must be implemented in Delhi NCR as and when PM 10 crosses 300 level and PM 2.5 crosses 500". The NGT said that the emergency vehicles shall get an exemption during the odd even scheme.

The CPCB and DPCC submitted that two wheelers are more polluting than four wheelers, and their emissions comprise 20% of the total vehicular pollution. NGT observed that water sprinkling is a better way to control pollution. The National Green Tribunal asked Uttar Pradesh Government over the number of violators challaned in Noida and Greater Noida.

The tribunal on Friday said the scheme was a “farce”, and that it cannot be implemented from next week without its permission. The National Green Tribunal on Friday directed the Delhi government to submit data or studies on the basis of which it has planned to introduce the odd-even carrationing scheme for five days from next week.

The green panel questioned the rationale of the AAP government in rolling out the scheme when reports by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) had found that the levels of PM10 and PM2.5 were cumulatively higher when the scheme was implemented twice earlier.