Odd-even in Delhi: AAP govt to move NGT, final decision expected today

New Delhi: With a negligible improvement in the air quality in Delhi, the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government will on Monday move the National Green Tribunal (NGT) requesting a review of its order that no exemption of any kind should be given to anyone while implementing the odd-even traffic rationing system in the national capital.

According to reports, the air quality in Delhi had deteriorated on Sunday after a sharp rise in presence of pollutants. 

Both PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels, measured at 480 and 712 micrograms per cubic metre, respectively, were back at the "emergency" threshold of the Graded Response Action Plan.

The NGT had on Saturday had given a go-ahead to the odd-even scheme from November 13-17.

The Green Tribunal also directed that odd-even should be implemented "right away" without waiting for 48 hours, in case PM2.5 and PM10 go beyond 400 and 700 units respectively.

However, not pleased with the NGT order, the Delhi government has decided to file a review petition in the tribunal today, asking the green court to take a re-look at exemptions for both women and two-wheelers.

The Delhi government is in favour of exemptions for women drivers and two-wheelers.

The schools across Delhi are set to re-open on Monday, but the All India Parents' Association advised parents not to send their wards to schools until Wednesday.

The AAP government had earlier decided to implement the odd-even scheme for five days from November 13 to 17.

After a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot had announced that the measure, which was to be implemented between November 13 and 17, was being "called off" as the number of buses were inadequate and women's safety could not be compromised.

The NGT, in its order, also said that in future the odd-even scheme should automatically come into force if the PM2.5 and PM10, particles in air with diameter less than 2.5 and 10mm respectively, go above the 300 and 500 units for 48 hours.

Pollution level remains high

Pollution levels sky-rocketed in Delhi on Sunday with the air quality becoming hazardous, which environmental agencies consider unfit for inhalation even by healthy people.

The pollution monitoring authorities said there may be some respite from Monday evening as surface winds will gain momentum.

SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research) said there is possibility of rains in the evening of November 14.

However, experts say rain brings temporary relief, but also leads to accumulation of particulates due to high levels of moisture.