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Ahead of High Court's decision, Delhi government claims 50% reduction in air pollution levels

According to the latest ambient air data collected on Saturday, air pollution levels which is caused by vehicular traffic recorded over 50% drop in the national capital, the Delhi government said in a statement.

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A day before the Delhi High Court's decision on the odd-even scheme for private cars in Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party government on Sunday said that the air pollution level of particulate matter across Delhi has shown a declining trend due to implementation of the scheme.

According to the latest ambient air data collected on Saturday, air pollution levels which is caused by vehicular traffic recorded over 50% drop in the national capital, the Delhi government said in a statement. PM 2.5 air pollution levels on Saturday at these 18 locations showed recordings of less than 100 (ug/m3) at nine locations, which is more than 50% less than average recordings since the odd-even regulations were put in place for four wheeled vehicles since January 1, the government said in a statement.

"On an average, PM 10 levels are also showing a drop of close to 30%. According to the scientists, favourable weather conditions on Saturday, particularly a positive wind speed and sunny conditions, added to the positive air quality," the statement read.

The Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi High Court said that the per capita toxic gas emission had reduced due to a fewer number of cars on Delhi's roads. The government had stated in the high court that of all the smog episodes so far, (with several consecutive days in severe category), the peak pollution during odd-even scheme period has been lowest. They had sought that the odd even scheme be allowed to run for 15 days as scheduled.

The Delhi government had told the bench that particulate and nitrogen oxide load from cars have come down during odd-even scheme by 40 per cent and pollution levels have also gone down because of a reduction in diesel cars.

However, their version opposed by the petitioners who said that the policy was selective and 46 per cent pollution is caused by trucks. Since the implementation of the scheme, Peak-hour traffic has fallen by almost 30% while road accidents have dipped as well. For the pollution levels, experts say that odd-even car policy in its current form alone may not help reduce pollution.

IIT Kanpur presents

Scientists from IIT Kanpur made a Presentation To Delhi government, according to which Vehicular pollution in Delhi has grown from 64% to 72% from 1990 to 2000, whereas petrol and diesel consumption have grown by 400% and 300% respectively. It also said that the vehicular pollution is the second largest source and most consistently contributing source to PM10 and PM2.5 in winters.
 

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