Won't allow odd-even scheme unless proved effective: NGT raps Delhi govt
New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday rapped the AAP government for announcing odd-even scheme despite pollution control boards reporting that the car-rationing plan did not help improve air quality in Delhi.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had, on Thursday, announced that the odd-even scheme will be implemented for five days, starting November 13 to tackle the alarming level of air pollution in the national capital.
Read: Odd-even rule in Delhi from Nov 13 to 17; women drivers exempt
"Odd-even formula can't be imposed like this. Nothing has been done from your (Delhi govt) end since the past one year," the NGT said, citing reports from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) that it was ineffective.
The green bench told the AAP government that it will not allow the implementation of the odd-even scheme unless it was established that the plan was effective.
"SC never asked for imposition of this scheme. SC and NGT have suggested 100 measures to curb pollution but you always opted for odd-even. Delhi government will have to justify the implementation of this scheme," the NGT told the government.
NGT also asked the Delhi government to give an undertaking that it will roll out odd-even only when the particulate matter levels are over 300. It also questioned the government for implementing the scheme when the situation was improving.
"This will now cause inconvenience to people," it said.
The bench also questioned the government's decision to exempt two-wheelers and women drivers.
Directing the states to ensure that there is no crop burning, the NGT warned, "If any such incident is reported, a considerable amount of fine will be charged from salary of responsible officer".
The board also asked the government to impose Rs 1 lakh as fine on builders found violating directions, as construction work has been halted in view of smog and air pollution.
However, the law board allowed industries engaged in essential services to operate in Delhi-NCR on the condition that they would not pollute.
Pollution has reached to disastrous levels in Delhi, with smog enveloping the entire national capital. In view of the worsening environment, Delhi government ordered closure of all schools till Saturday.
