Odd-Even to be implemented without any exemptions now

NEW DELHI: In the wake of Sri Lankan cricketers complaining of poor air quality and the National Green Tribunal ( NGT) pulling up the state government for its inability to fight pollution, the AAP-led government has agreed to implement the next edition of the odd-even rule in Delhi without any exemptions.

The government submitted its antipollution action plan to the NGT on Wednesday. It said the odd-even scheme will be implemented in the capital as part of measures to be taken when the air pollution levels reach the ‘severe’ category.

In addition, the government will ban all construction activities and the entry of trucks into the city. With pollution levels in Delhi turning ‘hazardous’ last month, the government had announced the odd-even rule of rationing cars on roads but the green court objected to exemptions — to women, two-wheelers, vehicles carrying children in school uniforms and VVIPs — given during the previous two editions last year.

The AAP government then cancelled the plan with transport minister Kailash Gahlot saying, “We cannot compromise on women’s security.”

Defending exemptions, the government had argued that many women do not feel comfortable or safe in public transport, especially those who work at odd hours. Also, it told the court that the system is not equipped to accommodate so many two-wheelers.

However, after being rapped by the court on Monday, the government has agreed to remove all exemptions allowed earlier.