Odd-Even Rule: Green Panel Refuses To Exempt Women, Two-Wheelers

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) refused to exempt women and two-wheelers from the Delhi government's odd-even scheme and ordered that diesel vehicles over ten years old be taken off the roads immediately. The green panel has also asked the city government to identify the most polluted areas today itself and sprinkle water. It also allowed the non-polluting industries and those manufacturing essential goods to operate in the Delhi-National Capital Region.

Also Read: Odd-Even Rule Dropped For Now By Delhi Government

The Delhi government had yesterday moved the NGT to modify its November 11 order refusing to exempt women and two-wheelers from the odd-even car rationing scheme to tackle pollution. As the NGT today refused to modify its order, the city government withdrew its plea. The last couple of times, women drivers and two-wheeler motorists were exempted from the odd-even scheme but this time; these motorists will not be exempt from the odd-even rule as the Green Court questioned the rationality of the exemption to the Delhi government.

Also Read: No Exemption For Bikes, Scooters, Women As Delhi Air Pollution Crosses Danger Mark

Last week, NGT barred the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government from imposing the Odd-Even rule from November 13- November 17, stating that the state government needs to prove whether the rule has reduced pollution. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar directed the Delhi government to submit before it the details of the ambient air quality during the earlier implementation of the odd-even scheme.

Also Read: Green Court Asks Delhi Government To Prove Odd Even Rule Reduced Pollution

The odd-even scheme was implemented by Delhi government for the first time, from 1 January 2016 to 15 January 2016 and then again from 15 April 2016 to 30 April 2016. From what we know, the Green Court (NGT or National Green Tribunal) is hearing a plea on the implementation of the odd-even scheme by the Delhi government today. The NGT has repeatedly asked the Delhi government to prove the worth of the odd-even plan in case of air pollution.

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