No exceptions for Odd-Even, govt tells NGT

After being pulled up by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government finally submitted in court on Wednesday, an action plan to curb pollution in the city. Changing its earlier stance, the AAP government said the Odd-Even road rationing scheme will be implemented with no exemptions, as an 'emergency measure'.

The plan also includes a ban on entry of trucks in city limits, shutting down of industries, prohibition on burning of waste, and a complete stop to construction activities, once the pollution levels touch the 'Severe' category.

Earlier, the AAP government had told the court that due to the lack of adequate number of buses and keeping women's security in mind, it must allow exemption to women drivers and two-wheelers.

The green court, however, was not in agreement and told the government to add to its bus fleet. The transport department is still in the process of procuring 1,000 more Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses.

The NGT also directed the city government to file a a detailed report, including details of exemptions given in the Odd-Even scheme, besides directing the Haryana and Punjab governments to submits their detailed action plan by Thursday. The panel will now hear the matter on Thursday.

A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar stated that the air quality in the national Capital was never normal. "You all (states) tell us what steps you will take at what level of pollution. What are your normal steps to check pollution?" the bench asked.

The court also rapped the AAP government for not filing a comprehensive action plan on ways to tackle severe air pollution in the city, besides slamming the authorities for organising the India-Sri Lanka cricket test match, despite the bad air quality.

The report also stated that after the NGT orders, sprinkling of water and mechanised cleaning of major roads is being done.

"The Public Works Department (PWD) has deployed 51 water tankers every day, covering an average of 130 km of roads. The department also took help of the DJB. As many as 6 water tankers have been deployed at an average distance of 15-16 km from September 9 onwards," the report stated.

It added: "The PWD is making efforts to increase the number of machines by re-tendering procurement of sweeping machines."

Besides, monitoring and action against persons for burning waste material in the open has been going on as a special drive. Public notices have been issued on prohibition on open burning of leaves and waste.

According to the plan, Sub Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and Tehsildars (Executive Magistrate), Department of Revenue, have been authorised to take action against violators. Penalty will be imposed in accordance with the NGT directions. The report further stated that promotion of Battery Operated Vehicles or e-rickshaws has been taken up.

Air quality in the national Capital had dipped close to 'severe' category again over the week. However, with the sun showing up and wind speed picking up on Wednesday, it improved to 'poor' from the 'very poor' category.