NGT nod to odd-even scheme in Delhi; no exemption for two-wheelers, govt servants or women

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), despite its apprehensions earlier on the Delhi government's odd-even scheme, on Saturday approved the car rationing scheme while removing all major exemptions as suggested by the state government.

"Delhi government is free to implement the odd-even car rationing scheme with the subject to conditions," a bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said today.

The tribunal, while giving the green signal to the odd-even scheme, questioned the city government as to why it was granting exemptions to certain sections if the aim was to improve air quality.

"No exemption be given to anyone, including two-wheeler riders, in the odd-even scheme, it said.

However, all emergency vehicles have been exempted from the scheme. Vehicles carrying solid waste, fire brigade, ambulance and police vehicles have also been freed from the restriction. 

The odd-even scheme will be implemented for five days from Monday as planned. 

The tribunal also directed the state government to implement the car rationing scheme in the national capital and adjoining areas as and when the pollution level crosses the 'danger' mark. 

"Odd-even scheme will be automatically implemented in Delhi and NCR as and when PM 10 crosses 300 level and PM 2.5 crosses 500," it said. 

It directed all the neighbouring state governments and departments to ensure complete mechanism during an environmental emergency. 

"Don't wait for a crisis situation," said the body. 

It also directed various departments and executing agencies, including the Delhi Police, for better cooperation and coordination.

NGT termed that the measures like the increased parking fees, recommended by the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) as absolutely 'absurd'.

"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?" it asked the Delhi government. 

The National Green Tribunal asked the Uttar Pradesh government over the number of violators challaned in Noida and Greater Noida in the wake of rising pollution level in adjoining states of Delhi.

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.