SC supports Delhi's odd-even formula, mulls curbs on diesel cars

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday came out in support of the Delhi government's odd-even formula to curb pollution in Delhi.

The court said that if the odd-even formula, as announced by the Delhi government, is the way forward, then it is free to implement it.

“We have not stopped you from implementing odd-even formula. If you believe this is the way forward, then go ahead and implement,” the court told the Delhi government.

While backing the Delhi government on steps being undertaken to check growing air pollution in the capital, the court also mulled hiking by 100 per cent the imposition of environment compensation charge imposed on trucks entering Delhi.

The SC has proposed increasing the environment compensation charge to Rs 1,400 and Rs 2,600 respectively, from the current 700 and Rs 1,300.

As another interim measure, the court is also mulling to ban registration of all new SUVs and diesel cars above 2000 cc engine capacity in Delhi.

Reports said the apex court is likely to pass an order to these effect tomorrow.

However, the order, if passed, will be in effect only till March 31, 2016.

The Delhi government has announced that it will implement the odd-even formula in the capital from January 1. The formula will first be tried till January 15 and will be extended after an assessment.