Odd-even scheme: Delhi govt to appeal Green Court to reconsider 'no exemption' form woman, two-wheelers

The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government is planning to move to the Green Court on Monday to file an appeal to reconsider its "no exemption" for women and two-wheelers after it scrapped the odd-even scheme on Saturday evening.

"On Monday, the government will file an appeal in the Green Court to reconsider its no exemption for women and two-wheelers," said Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gehlot.

Amidst alarming situation of air pollution in Delhi, the Delhi government had canceled its plan to implement the five-day odd-even scheme for cars in the National Capital after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) said that the plan cannot exempt VIPs, two-wheelers, and women.

The odd-even scheme was scheduled to be rolled out in Delhi for five days from November 13 to November 17. The plan was meant to curb the level of pollution in the National Capital.

The decision was declared after an emergency cabinet meeting held after the green panel accepted the odd-even scheme with some conditions.

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

The NGT asserted that "it seems that you just want to reduce vehicles from roads... What is the basis of exemptions if you want to improve air quality?"

As high-intensity dense smog choked the city, the Delhi government had announced the relaunch of the odd-even scheme. Under the plan, cars with number plates ending in an odd number and even-number are allowed to ply on alternate days.

Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said the Delhi government could not compromise on the safety of the women. He also added that we also did not have enough public transport alternatives to accommodate the over-60-lakh two-wheeler riders.

"At the moment we are calling it off. We will again approach the NGT and will ask them to allow exemptions to women and two-wheelers," he added. On Monday, the government will file an appeal in the NGT to reconsider its "no exemption" for women and two-wheelers.

And the other reason for the decision to withdraw the scheme was low pollution levels.

The green panel also pointed that "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.

Also Read: Delhi Air Pollution: NGT to take call on Kejriwal Govt’s Odd-Even scheme today