Delhi govt postpones Odd-Even rule after Supreme Court questions efficacy

Delhi govt postpones Odd-Even rule after Supreme Court questions efficacy

by with No Comment Electric vehicles cars

By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 10 Nov 2023, 15:07 PM

The Odd-Even rule in Delhi will not be implemented from November 13. Gopal Rai, Environment Minister of Delhi confirmed plans to postpone the scheme on Friday after the Supreme Court came down heavily against the vehicle rationing system. The apex court criticised the Odd-Even rule questioning its efficacy in bringing down pollution level. It said that the scheme will have minimum impact in efforts to curb pollution amid very poor to severe air quality index (AQI) in the national capital. The court has asked the Delhi government to take a call on whether to implement the Odd-Even rule at all.

Delhi government had announced that it will implement Odd-Even rule in the national capital from November 13 to help reduce pollution. However, it later said that the scheme’s implementation will depend on Supreme Court’s review of the vehicle rationing system. (HT Archive) (HT_PRINT)

On Monday, the Delhi government had announced that it will re-introduce the Odd-Even rule in the national capital after four years. The city is currently under grip of severe pollution and smog ahead of Diwali festivities. Anticipating that the air quality will worsen further, the state government had planned to relaunch the vehicle rationing system a day after the festival. However, while addressing a press conference today, Gopal Rai said, “Due to the rainfall last night, the AQI which was 450+ has now reached around 300. In view of this, the decision to implement the odd-even rule has been postponed. The situation would be analysed again after Diwali,” he said while addressing the media.”

Earlier today, the Supreme Court refused to entertain Delhi government’s submission that it will finalise the Odd-Even rule and its modalities, including vehicle exemption and timings, after the court’s order. “Don’t try to not perform and then shift the burden on the court,” the Supreme Court said today. “As per the report from amicus curiae, advocate assisting the court on the issue, odd-even does not help; it will have a minimal impact,” the Supreme Court bench added. The Supreme Court had earlier termed Delhi government’s move to introduce Odd-Even rule as an ‘optics’.

Also Read : After Delhi, Gurugram, Noida and Faridabad ban entry of BS3 petrol, BS4 diesel cars to check pollution

The Odd-Even rule was first introduced back in 2016. It was implemented in 2016, 20017 and 2019. Several studies have been published to determine the efficacy of the Odd-Even rule in effectively bringing down pollution levels. While the scheme helps to reduce vehicular traffic, especially passenger vehicles, it also promotes public transport. However, none of the studies show that Odd-Even rule has helped improve air quality by much in the previous instances.

Also Read : Over 1,300 vehicles fined in Delhi for plying without pollution certificates

The Odd-Even vehicle rationing system restricts private vehicles to operate on alternate days based on their registration numbers. For instance, registration numbers ending with odd numbers will be allowed to ply on odd dates. Cars and two-wheelers which have registration ending with even numbers will be allowed to ply on even dates.

First Published Date: 10 Nov 2023, 15:07 PM IST


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These are 5 ways you can contribute to reduce vehicle pollution

These are 5 ways you can contribute to reduce vehicle pollution

by with No Comment Electric vehicles cars

By: HT Auto Desk
| Written By: Deepika Agrawal
| Updated on: 06 Nov 2023, 16:19 PM

Delhi-NCR is covered with a thick layer of toxic air with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing the 400-mark over the last week. This has prompted the government to implement the final Stage 4 of its air pollution control plan, called the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Further, the odd-even vehicle rule has made a comeback to the city after four years.

Delhi government has implemented GRAP Stage 4 and odd-even rule to curb air pollution in the national capital.

Vehicular pollution is a major contributor to the PM2.5 levels, which worsen the air quality. In a bid to reduce this and bring in a significant impact, it is important for common people to step up alongside the government initiatives. Below are a few ways you can contribute towards reducing vehicular pollution:

1. Avoid using ICE vehicles for small distances

Often people take out their vehicles to visit even a nearby shop or other places whereas these distances can easily be covered by walking or using cycles. Along with avoiding emissions, you will also get done some physical activity, which is good for health.

2. Drive efficiently

It is important to get your car regularly checked and serviced for cleaner emissions. One must also keep vehicle pollution under check. A poorly maintained car/two-wheeler would be a huge source of higher amounts of pollution and therefore further contribute to worsening AQI.

3. Use public transport when possible

In the era of ever-increasing traffic and vehicular pollution, one must consider using public transportation, whenever possible. If there is a direct metro line or a direct bus route to your destination, consider choosing that over riding your ICE vehicle all alone. Lesser vehicles on road will mean lesser emissions, thus lesser pollution.

4. Choose car-pooling/ride-sharing

Along with being a good way to reduce the numbers of vehicles on road, car-pooling is also a cost-effective way of travelling. You could form a group of people who travel to the same destination everyday and use one car. This will help you divide the expenses as well as reduce vehicular pollution. Some cab aggregators also offer car-pooling options.

5. Avoid idling your car

You should consider turning off the engine of your vehicle when stuck in traffic or a waiting at a signal, as long as it is safe to do so. This not only reduces emissions but also saves fuel and increases your vehicle’s mileage.

First Published Date: 06 Nov 2023, 16:18 PM IST


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