The National Green Tribunal today directed the Delhi government to submit data or studies on the basis of which it has planned to introduce the odd-even car rationing scheme for five days from next week.<br/><br/>The green panel questioned the rationale of the AAP government in rolling out the scheme when reports by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control<br/>Committee (DPCC) had found that the levels of PM10 and PM2.5 were cumulatively higher when the scheme was implemented twice earlier.<br/><br/>Directing the city government not to implement the scheme unless it established that it was not counter-productive, the NGT asked it to give an undertaking that it will roll out odd-even only when particulate matter PM 2.5 was over 300. <br/><br/>A bench of the NGT also questioned the justification of exempting two-wheelers and women drivers during the odd-even scheme.<br/><br/>The green panel however allowed the industries engaged in essential services to operate in the Delhi-NCR on the condition that they would not pollute and cause emmissions. The hearing remained inconclusive and will continue tomorrow.<br/><br/>However, the NGT also noted that the Delhi government has been taking steps in the interest of environment and public health and these were laudible.<br/><br/>During the hearing, the Delhi government counsel told the bench that they were introducing the odd-even scheme in pursuance to the directions of the apex court-appointed EPCA.<br/><br/>But the tribunal rapped the city government over this submission and said the Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) had issued several suggestions and the odd- even scheme was just one of them.<br/>

The National Green Tribunal today directed the Delhi government to submit data or studies on the basis of which it has planned to introduce the odd-even car rationing scheme for five days from next week.<br/><br/>The green panel questioned the rationale of the AAP government in rolling out the scheme when reports by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control<br/>Committee (DPCC) had found that the levels of PM10 and PM2.5 were cumulatively higher when the scheme was implemented twice earlier.<br/><br/>Directing the city government not to implement the scheme unless it established that it was not counter-productive, the NGT asked it to give an undertaking that it will roll out odd-even only when particulate matter PM 2.5 was over 300. <br/><br/>A bench of the NGT also questioned the justification of exempting two-wheelers and women drivers during the odd-even scheme.<br/><br/>The green panel however allowed the industries engaged in essential services to operate in the Delhi-NCR on the condition that they would not pollute and cause emmissions. The hearing remained inconclusive and will continue tomorrow.<br/><br/>However, the NGT also noted that the Delhi government has been taking steps in the interest of environment and public health and these were laudible.<br/><br/>During the hearing, the Delhi government counsel told the bench that they were introducing the odd-even scheme in pursuance to the directions of the apex court-appointed EPCA.<br/><br/>But the tribunal rapped the city government over this submission and said the Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) had issued several suggestions and the odd- even scheme was just one of them.<br/>

The National Green Tribunal today directed the Delhi government to submit data or studies on the basis of which it has planned to introduce the odd-even car rationing scheme for five days from next week.<br/><br/>The green panel questioned the rationale of the AAP government in rolling out the scheme when reports by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) had found that the levels of PM10 and PM2.5 were cumulatively higher when the scheme was implemented twice earlier.<br/><br/>On April 21 last year, the CPCB had told NGT that there was no data to suggest that the odd-even scheme has led to a decline in vehicular pollution in Delhi-NCR. Under the scheme,<br/>vehicles with odd and even numbers are allowed to ply on alternate days.<br/><br/>Directing the city government not to implement the scheme unless it established that it was not counter-productive, the NGT asked it to give an undertaking that it will roll out odd-even only when particulate matter PM 2.5 was over 300.