Odd-even formula: Gopal Rai dismisses NGT's worries, says Delhiites are not negligent

New Delhi: The Delhi government on Friday said Delhiites are not so “negligent” that they will buy extra cars to beat the odd-even formula even as NGT expressed such apprehensions.

The National Green Tribunal on Friday cast doubts over restrictions on private vehicles under the Arvind Kejriwal government’s odd-even formula, saying that it may may even encourage people to buy two cars.

“You can live without food and shelter, but you need to breath even when you are sleeping. I think Delhiites are not so negligent that they will do it (buy extra car),” Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai said.

He said the odd-even formula will be reviewed after 15 days and the government will come up with ways to reign in those buying extra cars to beat the scheme.

The NGT’s observations came against the backdrop of a volley of questions being raised including on security concerns for women and adequate public transport to deal with the situation.

“The odd-even scheme which you are proposing to implement what consequences is it going to have on traffic and pollution? What will be other measures which you propose to set up to make your plan a success. In our view this may not serve the ends which you are trying to achieve,” it said.

Meanwhile, the NGT also ordered that diesel-run vehicles will not be registered in the city with immediate effect. Rai said that the govt will consider the green court’s order.

The NGT order also asked the central and state government departments not to purchase such vehicles. Under interim measures, there will be no renewal of registration of diesel vehicles which are more than 10 years old. The court also directed all the public authorities, corporations, DDA, police and other public department to prepare and submit an action plan for phasing out diesel vehicles, particularly the trucks being used by all these bodies by 6 January, the next date of hearing.

According to the transport department, around 400 new diesel-run vehicles are registered in the National Capital.

There are around 5.5 lakh diesel vehicles plying in the National Capital. In total, 88.27 lakh vehicles are registered in Delhi.

PTI