New Delhi: The Delhi government's flagship pollution control plan 'Odd-Even' rule is all set to return for a third round in the national capital in winters this year.
Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal made the announcement on Sunday morning. "We will bring back Odd-Even rule in Delhi this winters," Kejriwal was quoted as saying by News18.
On Tuesday, state Transport Minister Satyendar Jain had said, "There is no need to implement the third phase of Odd-Even scheme during monsoon season as the pollution is on the lowest level during this season. Whenever the scheme is implemented, it would be in the winter season when the pollution levels are high."
Jain cited the sharp spike in pollution levels during winter months as the reason behind the decision to bring back the road rationing scheme.
“We will bring it back once winter sets in, because that’s when pollution levels begin rising,” said Jain, adding, “Odd-Even is very much on the agenda of the government,” Jain said.
The second phase of the Odd-Even plan which was held between April 15-30 had received considerable criticism for triggering traffic snarls across the city as well as poor planning and implementation by the state government.
The Kejriwal government had previously claimed that due to the Odd-Even scheme, pollution level had gone down significantly in the national capital.
However, some reports suggest there was no significant impact on pollution during operation of the scheme.
