In the aftermath of a stern rebuke from the Supreme Court, the Delhi government has opted for a cautious approach in implementing the odd-even scheme to address the escalating pollution crisis in the National Capital. The apex court, known for its uncompromising stance on environmental issues, questioned the effectiveness of the odd-even initiative in reducing pollution, casting doubts on its efficacy. The scheme, which had been earlier announced to be in effect from November 13 to November 20, is now under heightened scrutiny.
Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, affirmed that the government would meticulously review the Supreme Court’s directives before proceeding with the odd-even rule. This decision followed the Supreme Court’s critical observations regarding the perceived ineffectiveness of the scheme, characterizing it as mere “optics.”
On Tuesday, the state’s transport department convened to deliberate the specifics of the forthcoming odd-even scheme. However, a change in direction ensued when the Supreme Court’s pronouncements were brought to the government’s attention. In light of these observations, Gopal Rai articulated, “Instead of immediately announcing the details of the odd-even rules, we will carefully scrutinize the Supreme Court’s orders and observations. Subsequently, we will integrate these considerations into the scheme.”
The Supreme Court’s queries extended beyond Delhi’s borders, as it urged the Punjab government to take swift measures to curtail stubble burning. Justice SK Kaul, a member of the bench overseeing the proceedings, remarked, “We don’t know how you do it, but it’s your responsibility. Nevertheless, it must be halted.”
For the past five days, Delhi has grappled with deteriorating air quality, prompting the closure of in-person school classes until November 10. Stringent measures have been enforced, such as the suspension of non-essential construction activities and the restriction of certain vehicle types, in response to the hazardous air quality, which has consistently remained in the severe category. As of Tuesday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) figures indicated alarming pollution levels, with Anand Vihar at 440, Narela at 388, Punjabi Bagh at 434, RK Puram at 431, Shadipur at 408, IGI Airport at 404, and Jahangirpuri at 416.
The proposed odd-even scheme, scheduled for November 13 to November 20, represents the fourth instance of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s attempt to reintroduce this alternate-day arrangement, aimed at reducing vehicular traffic. In this scheme, vehicles with registration numbers ending in an even digit are permitted to ply on even dates, while those ending in odd digits are permitted on odd dates.
The Delhi government, having received the Supreme Court’s scrutiny, has opted to await the court’s official directives before making any further announcements regarding the implementation of the odd-even plan.
