Delhi Drops Odd-Even Plan

As air Quality Gets Better...

The Delhi government announced on Friday a delay in the implementation of the odd-even scheme in the national capital, citing a slight improvement in air quality.

The AAP government had initially planned to enforce the odd-even scheme from November 13 to 20, responding to deteriorating air quality. This car-rationing initiative has been implemented three times in the past in the national capital due to poor air conditions.

"Pollution levels have shown improvement, with the AQI dropping from 450+ to around 300. The implementation of odd-even from November 13 to 20 has been deferred. A reassessment will be conducted after Diwali," stated Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai.

Delhi's air quality improved Friday morning to an AQI of 408 from Thursday's 437, thanks to overnight rain after more than a week of hazardous pollution.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecasted a slight improvement in air quality just before Diwali, attributing it to favorable meteorological conditions, including light rain.

Rai previously stated that the implementation of the scheme in the city would depend on the Supreme Court's review of its effectiveness and subsequent orders.

The apex court had expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the Delhi government's car-rationing scheme, aimed at reducing vehicular pollution, referring to it as "all optics."

During a hearing on Friday regarding the severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court once again raised questions about the odd-even rule and directed authorities to immediately halt farm fires.

A bench led by Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul stated, "As per the report from amicus curiae, advocate assisting the court on the issue, odd-even does not help; it will have a minimal impact."

The bench further noted that despite numerous reports and committees addressing the pollution issue, there was a lack of tangible action at the ground level.

Implemented in 2016, the odd-even car rationing scheme allows cars to operate on alternate days, depending on whether their number plates are odd or even.