NGT rejects plea challenging implementation of odd-even vehicle rationing scheme in Delhi

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]HE National Green Tribunal (NGT) refused to consider a petition challenging the decision of the AAP government to re-launch the odd-even vehicle rationing scheme in of national capital territory from November 4 – 15.

The petition was filed by advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal who submitted before the NGT panel that the in an assessment done by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), it was found that during the implementation period, the air quality of the city was found to have further deteriorated.

The NGT panel headed by Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel questioned the petitioner on the maintainability of his plea, asking him “under which law of the land is this plea maintainable”, and then dismissed the petition as withdrawn.

The Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, on September 13 launched the seven-point mega plan to control air pollution, Parali Pradushan, in the capital. This plan includes the following actions: odd-even scheme, distribution of anti-pollution masks, organizing community Diwali lazar show, mechanized sweeping and water sprinkling on roads, tree plantation, special plans for 12 pollution hotspots in the city and deployment of environment marshals.

The odd-even vehicle rationing scheme was implemented in Delhi twice before in January and April 2016. Under the scheme, the odd and even-numbered vehicles ply on alternate days in the national capital.