NGT also asked AAP government whether they intend to employ this scheme of odd-even whenever the pollution levels plummet down. NGT also asked AAP government whether they intend to employ this scheme of odd-even whenever the pollution levels plummet down. While giving its nod to Delhi government’s five-day Odd-Even plan beginning November 13, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Saturday pulled them up for the hazardous pollution levels in the city. Though the Justice Swatantra Kumar-headed NGT bench allowed the scheme, certain riders have been put in place. The green tribunal questioned the rationale behind applying the odd-even scheme and asked why it wasn’t applied when the air quality situation was worse. Here’s a quick recapitulation of whatever the NGT said today: 1. NGT gave its nod to the implementation of odd-even scheme with no exemption for two-wheelers. It said implement odd-even scheme when PM10 level is above 500 micrograms per cubic metre and PM2.5 above 300 micrograms per cubic metre. So what does it mean? It means extra work for traffic cops who would have check for violations even for two-wheelers this time. NGT enquired about the pollution levels caused by two-wheelers and diesel vehicles and asked the government whether the exemption was carved out scientifically. “What is the basis of granting exemptions under the scheme if you want to improve ambient air quality? NGT asked the AAP government that had proposed an exemption for two-wheelers. 2. CNG vehicles, emergency services such as ambulance and fire are exempted from the odd-even rule. NGT also asked Traffic Police to deploy personnel at traffic lights after observing that almost all the main roads in the city were seeing diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years. 3. The green tribunal also said “it is most worrying that there is absolute non-cooperation between various departments of government.” It asked: “Won’t the hike of parking fees only benefit the parking lots, and would stress people even further, thereby encouraging them to park vehicles on the roads instead, choking them in the process?” 4. NGT directed all neighbouring state governments and departments to ensure complete mechanism during environmental emergency and asked them not to wait for crisis situation. The tribunal asked UP government about the number of violators challaned in Noida and Greater Noida. 5. NGT asked Delhi government to present the letter on basis of which this decision was taken and whether the L-G Anil Baijal’s approval was taken for the same. It also questioned if the government was sure about the benefits of the odd-even scheme and whether it would cause any inconvenience to the public. 6. Central Pollution Control Board submitted that they had warned the Delhi government orally in advance about the impending problem, which the Delhi government denied, said NGT. 7. NGT also asked AAP government whether they intend to employ this scheme of odd-even whenever the pollution levels plummet down. The Delhi government said that this couldn’t be stated as of now. 8. The NGT bench also held that measures like enhanced parking fee, as suggested by EPCA, to decrease pollution are absurd. NGT issued direction for reconsidering decision to hike parking charges by four times in Delhi. 9. NGT also asked why those doing construction work are not being fined. For all the latest Delhi News, download Indian Express App © IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd

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