Kejriwal's Odd-Even action plan challenged in National Green Tribunal

A petition has been filed in the National Green Tribunal challenging the AAP government's Odd-Even action plan which will be introduced again between November 4 and November 15 to combat air pollution caused by stubble burning in northern states like Punjab and Haryana.

The Odd-Even action plan, first implemented in 2016, stated that private vehicles with license plates ending in odd numbers, and vehicles with even number license plates, will not be allowed to travel on the same day.

The petition filed in the National Green Tribunal stated that country’s top environmental pollution control boards like Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has unequivocally stated that Odd-Even policy, when implemented in the year 2016, failed to curb the air pollution menace and ambient air quality in Delhi.

The petitioner, Gaurav Bhansal further stated that the recent decision of Govt of NCT of Delhi to implement the Odd-Even solely on the basis of study done by foreign researchers having no credentials and wilful ignorance of findings of top-level Scientists of Institutes like CPCB and DPCC is not only unpleasant but also downsize the reputation of such institutes, hence the present Original Application.

The Odd-Even plan is part of the seven-point action plan which includes planting trees, sweeping of roads, etc. taken by Arvind Kejriwal to tackle the pollution crisis on the city.

Two weeks ago, Aam Admi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal had stated that the 'Odd-Even scheme had reduced air pollution in Delhi by 10-13%'.