Aam Aadmi Party today decided against the odd-even scheme that was cleared by green court NGT
The implementation of the five-day odd-even scheme for cars in Delhi starting November 13 was scrapped by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government today after the National Green Tribunal said that the plan cannot exempt VIPs, two-wheelers and women. The Delhi government, had on Friday, suggested bringing back the odd-even scheme for cars in order to curb the severe air pollution and smog which has been hanging low over Delhi and adjoining cities like Noida, Gurgaon and Ghaziabad. The green court (NGT), during the hearing today, questioned the rationale behind Delhi government's decision to roll out the scheme with exemptions for various categories of people, questioning the effectiveness of the exercise. The hearing began at 11 am today. Yesterday, the National Green Tribunal had said: "By this scheme, you are only encouraging people to buy more vehicles and allowing more inter-state traffic. We will not allow odd-even vehicle rationalisation scheme until you prove that it's not counter-productive." The bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar came down heavily on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party government, saying, "You are getting the tag of the worst capital in the world. The Supreme Court and NGT have suggested (over) hundred measures to curb pollution, but you (AAP government) always opt only for odd-even. Nothing has been done by the Delhi government in the past one year."
Here are the highlights from today's NGT hearing on Delhi's Odd-Even Rule:
Latest Update: After Arvind Kejriwal meets top AAP ministers, Delhi government decides to scrap odd-even plan for now, Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gehlot has confirmed.
Update: Delhi government calls for an urgent meeting on implementation of odd-even at 3 pm today. The National Green Tribunal has allowed the Delhi government to go ahead with its odd-even plan to curb alarming levels of pollution in the national capital and adjoining areas. The NGT however, has set conditions (listed in posts below).
Odd-Even, a car-rationing scheme, was enforced twice in the national capital in 2016. It will be introduced again in Delhi between November 13 and 17 from 8 am to 8 pm on those days. Under the policy, private vehicles are allowed to run based on the last number of their licence plates. Odd-numbered cars are allowed to run on odd dates, while even-numbered cars can only run on even dates.
The Aam Aadmi Party government had on Thursday, announced introduction of the odd-even scheme as part of a Graded Response Plan to tackle the alarming pollution levels in the capital. The tribunal was hearing a plea for immediate action against the worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR, stating that it was an "environmental emergency" which was affecting children and senior citizens the most.
During the hearing, the tribunal questioned the Delhi government as to why it was granting exemptions to certain sections if the aim was to improve air quality. The bench also issued notices to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) to show cause why exemplary cost should not be imposed on them for violation of its order putting a ban on construction activities.
A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said that no one should be exempted from the scheme, except for CNG vehicles and emergency services such as ambulance and fire.
The National Green Tribunal or NGT today gave its nod for the implementation of the Delhi government's odd-even car rationing scheme for five days from November 13 to tackle high pollution level, with certain conditions.
Update: NGT issues direction for reconsidering decision to hike parking charges by four times in Delhi.
Penalty For Those Defying NGT Order On Suspension Of Construction Activity In Delhi
Coming down heavily on highway authority NHAI and National Buildings Construction Corporation (India), NGT issues notices to them asking why exemplary cost should not be imposed on them for violation of its order on suspension of all construction activity.
Allowing the plan for the odd-even policy, NGT says: Implement odd-even scheme when PM-10 level is above 500 micrograms per cubic metre and PM-2.5 above 300 micrograms per cubic metre.
Update: NGT allows minimum exemption for Odd-Even scheme, says: CNG vehicles, emergency services such as ambulance and fire exempted from odd-even scheme.
Update: No exemption for women or two-wheelers during odd-even rule in Delhi, says green court NGT
Update: National Green Tribunal permits the implementation of 'Odd-Even' scheme in Delhi for five days - November 13 to 17 - with the main condition that there will be no exemptions for two-wheelers and women.
After hearing Delhi government's reasons on the implementation of odd-even scheme, NGT permits the plan and gives nod to implement scheme for 5 days starting November 13. "Delhi government is free to implement the odd-even car rationing scheme, subject to the conditions agreed upon," says NGT.
NGT Slams Decision To Charge 4-Times The Car Parking Fee In Markets Across Delhi
On rule to charge four times the parking fee at marketplaces across Delhi, NGT slams the move saying, "Measures like enhanced parking fees, as suggested by the Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA), to decrease pollution are absolutely absurd."
Questioning the Aam Aadmi Party about selective implementation of the Odd-Even scheme, NGT panel asks: "What is the basis of granting exemptions under the scheme, if you plan to improve the ambient air quality? Why give exemptions to anyone?"
Slamming the Delhi government for choosing the odd-even scheme over other measures suggested, the National Green Tribunal asks: "Is the odd-even scheme at the whim and thought of a particular officer or the Delhi government as a whole?"
Why did you not introduce the odd-even scheme earlier, when air quality was worse? National Green Tribunal asks the Delhi government. Asks why it has not taken any action on the other measures suggested by the NGT and Supreme Court.
Is Odd-Even Scheme Delhi Government's Unilateral Decision? NGT Asks
The National Green Tribunal asks the Aam Aadmi Party government if odd-even car rationing scheme is being implemented with consent of both the Lieutenant Governor and Delhi government.
The bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar came down heavily on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party government, saying, "You are getting the tag of the worst capital in the world. The Supreme Court and NGT have suggested (over) hundred measures to curb pollution, but you (AAP government) always opt only for odd-even. Nothing has been done by the Delhi government in the past one year."
Yesterday, the National Green Tribunal had said: "By this scheme, you are only encouraging people to buy more vehicles and allowing more inter-state traffic. We will not allow odd-even vehicle rationalisation scheme until you prove that it's not counter-productive."
The green court (NGT) has questioned the rationale behind Delhi government's decision to roll it out for five days next week, saying the scheme "cannot be imposed like this". The hearing began at 11 am today.
The National Green Tribunal or NGT is hearing a case today on the implementation of the five-day odd-even scheme for cars in Delhi starting November 13. The Delhi government suggested bringing back the odd-even scheme for cars in order to curb the severe air pollution and smog which has been hanging low over Delhi and adjoining cities like Noida, Gurgaon and Ghaziabad.