NGT questions AAP govt over Delhi Odd-Even scheme, seeks info on pollution level, money spent

The NGT has asked the Delhi govt and the Pollution Control Board to explain "what was the difference in pollution level during, before and after the Odd-Even scheme".

New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal on Wednesday questioned the Aam Aadmi party government over its favourite Odd-Even car rationing scheme and sought details on pollution levels before and after its implementation in the national capital.

As per ANI, the NGT asked the Delhi government and the Pollution Control Board to explain "what was the difference in pollution level during, before and after the Odd-Even scheme".

Seeking details on money spent on the car rationing scheme, the NGT said, "Wouldn't it be better if the money spent on scheme was spent on something else?"

The NGT had on Monday asked the Delhi government to explain why it was not emphasising on the pollution caused by dust and burning waste material the way it had stressed on the odd-even scheme.

"Why do you not (Delhi government) put emphasis on the issues of dust and waste burning in a way you have emphasised on odd-even? Get complete instructions on these issues," a bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar told the counsel for Delhi government.

The tribunal was also irked that neither the Delhi government nor the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have furnished reports on data of ambient air quality in Delhi recorded during the recently concluded second phase of odd-even scheme.

"We have asked the CPCB and GNCTD to give reports on air quality prior to odd-even, between odd-even and thereafter.

Please tell us what has happened on this. Give us the report," the green panel said.

Responding to the query, the counsel appearing for CPCB sought some time to file the report.

"This is very strange. Every time you seek time," the NGT said and fixed the matter for hearing on May 11.

It directed both CPCB and Delhi government to take clear instructions on these issues by the next date of hearing.

The tribunal had earlier rapped the Delhi Police asking why it has not taken any action against over 15-year-old vehicles from plying on the roads in the national capital.

The green panel had also pulled up Delhi government for its failure to implement its order banning vehicles more than 15 years old from plying on the roads here.