Delhi state government, led by Arvind Kejriwal, has decided to call-off the odd-even scheme after NGT had asked the government to remove all the exemptions from the scheme.
Kailash Gehlot, the state transport minister said that the decision by the government came after NGT (National Green Tribunal) had asked the government to remove all the exemptions under the scheme when it was announced. These exemptions included two-wheelers, women-driven cars, hybrid vehicles and emergency vehicles. The NGT had asked the government to remove all exemptions except emergency vehicles.
Announcing the call-off of odd-even scheme, Kailash Gehlot states that the government cannot compromise on the safety of its women residents and that the state does not have buses to accommodate enough passengers if it puts two-wheelers within the scheme. Adding that the level of PM2.5 and PM10 have come down, he announced that the government will file a review application in NGT on Monday and till then, the scheme remains withdrawn.
Other officials present at the meeting included ministers such as Gopal Rai, Imran Hussain, and bureaucrats such as the chief secretary. The meeting was chaired by Arvind Kejriwal at his official residence.
According to a report by IIT-Kanpur, trucks, and two-wheelers are the major cause of concern for increasing pollutions. A study of pollution in Delhi, conducted by a committee commissioned by the previous Sheila Dixit government had revealed that the contribution of four-wheelers in PM2.5 and PM 10 levels is just 10 percent. The same in increase majorly by Trucks and two-wheelers. Trucks account for 46 percent of the pollution, whereas, two-wheelers cause 33% of the Delhi pollution.