THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Nov 10: Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on Friday that the odd-even car rationing plan will not be put into effect from November 13 because Delhi’s air quality has improved due to overnight rain.
” An improvement is seen in the pollution level. The AQI which was 450+ has now reached around 300. The decision to implement odd-even from November 13 to 20 has been postponed. The situation would be analysed again after Diwali” Gopal Rai said.
The Delhi government’s odd-even system is a form of traffic constraint in which cars with odd-digit registration numbers are permitted on odd-numbered days and even-digit registration numbers on even-numbered dates.
Speaking at a press conference, Rai stated that the Delhi government will assess the state of the air quality following Diwali and may decide to implement the odd-even plan if conditions worsen once more.
The minister’s response came after the Supreme Court’s earlier observation today that the odd-even scheme would yield limited results in mitigating air pollution levels. The court also reprimanded the Delhi government for its handling of the persistent nature of the issue.
“We can’t allow people to die. All chief secretaries should take steps else they will be summoned here,” the Supreme Court stated.
“The odd-even scheme will only have a minimal impact, close to 13 per cent,” the apex court observed, adding, “Meetings are happening, but nothing at the ground level.”
Earlier today, the Supreme Court instructed the Delhi government to conclusively determine the implementation of the Odd-Even policy. However, the court opted not to make a decision itself, leaving the resolution in the hands of the state government.
Regarding the Delhi government’s submission that it will finalize its policy on odd-even after the Supreme Court’s order, the Supreme Court stated, “Don’t try to not perform and then shift the burden on the court.”
As of 7 am today, SAFAR, the government’s air-quality monitoring agency, reported an overall air quality of 407 in Delhi. While still falling into the ‘Very Poor’ category, the Air Quality Index reported at 10 am was 361, indicating a modest improvement above the ‘Severe’ category.