No respite for Delhiites from toxic air as AQI remains ‘very poor’
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's average AQI on Thursday was 377 at 4 pm, while several places recorded air quality in the 'severe' zone.
The AAP-led Delhi government on Saturday refused to implement the odd-even vehicle scheme from Monday, hours after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) gave permission to Delhi government to implement odd-even vehicle rationing scheme without any exemptions in New Delhi.
Earlier, the vehicle scheme was scheduled from 13 to 17 November. Delhi government will approach the the green court on Monday.
“At the moment we are calling it off. We will again approach the NGT and will ask them to allow exemptions to women and two-wheelers,” Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot.
Advertisement
The Delhi government said it will approach the green court again on Monday, and request that exemptions be given for women drivers and two-wheelers. Subject to the NGT’s decision, the Delhi government will “consider implementing it again”.
Stating that Delhi the government could not compromise on the safety of women, Gahlot added that the city government also did not have enough busses or alternatives for the public transport to accommodate over 60 lakh two-wheeler riders.
“We can’t compromise with safety and security of women … the government is concerned about it,” Gahlot said.
Under the vehicle scheme, private vehicles in Delhi are allowed to run based on the last number of their licence plates. Odd-numbered vehicles are allowed to run on odd dates, while even-numbered vehicles can only run on even dates.
On Saturday, the NGT had given their nod to the Delhi government to implement odd-even vehicle rationing scheme.
Earlier, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal had called for an emergency meeting in view of NGT’s order on odd-even scheme.
(With agency inputs)
Advertisement
