Odd-even plan will run its length: Delhi Transport Gopal Rai

Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai on Friday exuded confidence that the AAP government's ambitious odd-even vehicle scheme will run its full trial-period length of 15 days and thereafter a final decision on formulating a policy to reduce pollution in the city will be taken. "The scheme will continue for 15 days. Till January 15, we will collect data and thereafter do a proper analysis and take a decision (on formulation of policy to reduce pollution)," Rai told reporters here. He claimed that the city's air quality would have been "worse" had there been no odd-even scheme in place today.

"The world, including Delhi, has felt the impact of the odd-even plan," he said.

The fate of the scheme will be decided on January 11 by the Delhi High Court which today reserved its order on various pleas challenging it. Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the Delhi government, submitted that the capital is piloting its first ever emergency action to reduce peak pollution level. "This is consistent with global best practice. Vehicles that are second highest emitters in the city are responsible for very high exposure and health impacts. "The first few days of the program have already demonstrated that peak pollution levels are lower than the normal smog peaks of the season despite the adverse weather conditions," Salve said.

Petitions have been filed by various individuals including lawyers who have challenged AAP goverment's December 28, 2015 notification bringing into force the scheme which allows private cars with odd-numbered plates to ply on odd-numbered dates and vice-verca.