Direct neighbouring states to implement odd-even, Delhi govt urges NGT

The Delhi government filed a fresh review petition before the NGT in connection with the odd-even policy.

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government on Tuesday filed a fresh review petition before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) seeking an amendment to its November 11 order on car rationing scheme. 

The counsel appearing for the government urged the green tribunal to exempt two-wheelers and women drivers from the odd-even police for one year or till 2000 additional buses are engaged. 

It also requested the tribunal to direct the neighbouring state to implement the odd-even policy. 

The Delhi government had filed its review petition on Monday and had sought to keep two-wheelers and women drivers in the list of exemptions. 

This after NGT had said it won't allow the odd-even rule to be implemented in Delhi unless its benefits were established and unless the list of exemptions given was trimmed down only to include emergency vehicles. 

On Tuesday, the NGT questioned why two-wheelers should be exempted. 

"When reports have stated that two-wheelers are more polluting than four-wheelers, why do you intend to give arbitrary exemptions? Is this a joke? What does one stand to gain from this?" it asked the state government. 

The NGT also suggested that Delhi government comes up with 'logical explanations for odd-even exemptions' if and when they approach it again.

The third round of odd-even was scheduled to be implemented from November 13 for five days in a bid to battle toxic air quality in Delhi and adjoining areas.