NEW DELHI: The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government will on Monday move the National Green Tribunal (NGT) requesting a review of its order that no exemption of any kind will be given to any one while implementing the odd-even traffic rationing system in Delhi, which is aimed to curb rising pollution.
The NGT on Saturday had given the go-ahead to the odd-even scheme from November 13-17. However, unhappy with the NGT order, the Delhi government expressing its inability to enforce the odd-even scheme and said it will move the Tribunal on Monday requesting a review of its order and if the exemptions are granted.
The Delhi government wants exemptions be given for women drivers and two-wheelers.
The AAP government had decided to implement the odd-even scheme for five days from November 13 to 17.
After a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot had announced that the measure, which was to be implemented between November 13 and 17, was being "called off" as the number of buses were inadequate and women's safety could not be compromised.
The NGT, in its order, also said that in future the odd-even scheme should automatically come into force if the PM2.5 and PM10, particles in air with diameter less than 2.5 and 10mm respectively, go above the 300 and 500 units for 48 hours.
The tribunal directed that odd-even should be implemented "right away" without waiting for 48 hours, in case PM2.5 and PM10 go beyond 400 and 700 units respectively.
Pollution level remains high
Pollution levels skyrocketed in Delhi on Sunday with the air quality becoming hazardous, which environmental agencies consider unfit for inhalation even by healthy people.
The pollution monitoring authorities said there may be some respite from Monday evening as surface winds will gain momentum.
SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research) said there is possibility of rains in the evening of November 14.
However, experts say rain brings temporary relief, but also leads to accumulation of particulates due to high levels of moisture.
Meanwhile, the Delhi BJP accused the AAP government of being in an "indecisive state" over the pollution crisis in the city and demanded Lt Governor Anil Baijal to call an all- party meeting.
Manoj Tiwari, the president of Delhi BJP, said that air pollution levels in the city are 4-7 times higher than the normal posing serious health hazard to the people.
"Despite this, the visionless Arvind Kejriwal government continues to be in a indecisive state," he alleged.
