In a recent announcement, Environment Minister Gopal Rai revealed that the odd-even traffic restriction scheme in Delhi, initially scheduled from November 13 to November 20, has been called off. Rai attributed this decision to a notable improvement in Delhi's air quality, credited to recent rain. He highlighted the positive shift, stating, "The AQI, which was 450+, has now reached around 300."
The minister clarified that the government plans to reassess the air quality situation post-Diwali and may reconsider the implementation of the odd-even scheme if there is a sudden decline in air quality. He emphasized, "...an improvement is seen in pollution levels. The decision to implement odd-even from November 13-20 has been postponed. The situation will be analyzed again after Diwali."
Addressing the Supreme Court's role, Rai mentioned that the court had nothing to do with the odd-even scheme during a hearing on the deteriorating air quality in the Delhi-National Capital Region. The court reiterated that the decision regarding the car rationing scheme in the national capital falls under the jurisdiction of the city government.
This development comes after the Supreme Court, earlier in the week, questioned the effectiveness of the Delhi government's car-rationing scheme, labeling it as "all optics." Despite the Supreme Court's scrutiny, the court asserted that it would not issue any directives on the odd-even scheme, emphasizing that the decision rests with the city government. Rai had previously indicated that the odd-even car rationing scheme would be implemented after the Supreme Court reviewed its effectiveness and issued an order.
