No odd-even for now, Delhi govt will consider after reviewing air quality post-Diwali

The odd-even car rationing scheme has been postponed for now, Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Friday. His argument came shortly after the Supreme Court reviewed the efficiency of the scheme. Earlier this month, the Aam Aadmi Party-ruling Delhi government announced the implementation of the odd-even scheme on 13 November, a day after Diwali. The decision to implement the scheme will now be considered after Diwali following a review of the air quality. “An improvement is seen in pollution levels. The AQI, which was 450+, has now reached around 300. (So) the decision to implement odd-even from November 13-20 has been postponed. The situation will be analysed again after Diwali,” Rai said.

On artificial rains in Delhi to contain the air pollution, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai says, “We presented our submission in front of the Supreme Court. We are waiting for the written order from the Supreme Court. We will analyse the court’s order and then make a decision…"

#WATCH | On artificial rains in Delhi to contain the air pollution, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai says, "We presented our submission in front of the Supreme Court. We are waiting for the written order from the Supreme Court. We will analyse the court's order and then make… pic.twitter.com/2NC7G8NQqL

— ANI (@ANI) November 10, 2023

The Supreme Court on Friday slammed the AAP government in Delhi for not doing enough to tackle the national capital’s air pollution issue and for “shifting the burden.” Delhi has been witnessing thick smog and deteriorating air quality for the past couple of weeks owing to stubble burning in Punjab and other neighbouring states. “Don’t try to not perform and then shift the burden onto the court,” the apex court said during a hearing on the Delhi government’s submission on the odd-even scheme.