Delhi Air Pollution: AAP govt holds meeting to chalk out strategy for implementing odd-even scheme

Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai and Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot convened a meeting at the Delhi Secretariat to outline the implementation of the ‘Odd-Even’ scheme in the national capital. This decision follows an emergency meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, where it was determined to reintroduce the ‘Odd-Even’ rule.

Gopal Rai, speaking after the high-level meeting led by CM Arvind Kejriwal, announced the implementation of the ‘Odd-Even’ scheme in Delhi from November 13 to 20. As part of this initiative, private vehicles with registration plates ending in odd numbers will be permitted to operate on odd dates, while those with even numbers will be allowed on even dates.

In light of the worsening air quality, the Supreme Court criticized the Punjab government for its handling of stubble burning, emphasizing that this issue should not be a constant political battle. The Court’s message was clear: “We want it (stubble burning) stopped. We don’t know how you do it, it’s your job, but it must be stopped. Something has to be done immediately.” This directive came in response to the government’s assertion that farmers resort to stubble burning for economic reasons.

Gopal Rai, discussing the Supreme Court’s directions on pollution, stated, “The Supreme Court has provided its observations regarding stubble burning, firecrackers, and air pollution in Delhi. Our government is committed to implementing the Supreme Court’s orders. Pollution is a concern that affects all of North India, and I urge all governments to collaborate on implementing measures to combat it.”

According to data from the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR-India), the air quality in the national capital recorded a reading of 488 on Monday, marking an increase from the previous day’s reading of 410.