Delhi Defers Implementation of Odd-Even Vehicle Rationing System as Air Quality Improves
The Delhi state government has deferred the implementation of the odd-even vehicle rationing system as the national capital witnesses an improvement in air quality, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Friday. Earlier, the Supreme Court had entrusted the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi government to implement the odd-even vehicle rationing system in the national capital as severe air pollution prevailed over the city.
The odd-even vehicle rationing system refers to allowing vehicles with odd number plates in the city on odd days and vehicles with even number plates on even days. This reduces the number of vehicles on the road, which in turn mitigates air pollution problems.
“Due to the rainfall last night, the Air Quality Index (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 will be analyzed again after Diwali,” the minister said while addressing the media.
The Indian national capital city has been reeling under a suffocating smog that has hung over the city. However, a brief precipitation on Friday dissipated the smog.
According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), Delhi”s air quality at 1 p.m. stood at 314 in the “very poor” category. On Thursday night, the AQI was recorded at 460, which is the “severe” category.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the air quality is expected to improve further due to wind speeds favorable for the dispersion of pollutants.
According to the Supreme Court directive, the Centre and Punjab Government are required to submit the results of the steps taken to mitigate pollution on November 21. As severe air pollution hit the city, a bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul observed that nothing was happening at the ground level despite having several reports and committees on the pollution.
“We want farm fires stopped, we want air quality to get better. It”s your business how it occurs… The decline must go on during the Diwali holidays… We suggested a methodology, you do it however you want. But farm fires must be stopped. Some emergency measures are required to stop the farm fires,” the court told the central and state governments.
