Delhi HC to hear govts reply on odd-even formula today

The government claimed that vehicular pollution had fallen since 1 January when the scheme was launched.

He said there “is a definite positive effect” and the scheme “may be continued after two weeks”.

Defending the plan, the Delhi government claimed that “intensity of smog episodes” had reduced in the city, with the 24-hour particulate matter (PM) 2.5 concentration levels in the city dropping from 448 microgram per cubic metre on December 22 to 351 on January 3. In winters, the pollution is anyway high as wind speed is low. These levels, however, quickly rose by evening, raising fears that it was perhaps too early to call the policy a success on the pollution front. The odd-even is just a start.

“15 days are not enough”. We go through these findings point by point.

The Delhi Government’s counsel also submitted that the people of Delhi and neighbouring States were following the rule, reflecting their cooperation and desire to be part of the solution to check this toxic and deadly air pollution. Pollution will not disappear in one month.

Many expected that taking a substantial number of cars off the road would significantly improve air quality in the city, at least in the short term but that hasn’t happened so far.

“It was a pilot project. Take instructions”, the bench had asked the government on Wednesday. “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”, Mr Salve said. “We will decide on extending it after that”, said Rai. Pollution is not going to go away immediately. It may taper down.

The scheme has received support from all sectors, including from the chief justice of India, T.S.Thakur, who has been carpooling with justice A.K Sikri.

When this reporter told Salve there was a feeling he should not have appeared for the Delhi government since, as an amicus curiae, he was expected to take an independent stand, he snapped: “What is wrong with it?” The court will also see whether the odd-even scheme needs judicial intervention and an order on this scheme would be passed on Jan 11.

The Centre has informed the Delhi government that its probe into the Delhi and District Cricket Association is “unconstitutional”. “The odd-even policy is having an impact, but it is not that visible because of the weather conditions”, said Mr. Bhure Lal. If LG or MHA or PMO aggrieved, they may approach Court.