Odd-Even scheme: NGT asks pollution board to monitor air quality

A bench, headed by NGT chairperson Swatanter Kumar, also asked CPCB to record and analyse the data of before and after the fortnight-long scheme period.

Watch Video: Keystrokes- Delhi Odd-Even Phase II

During the brief hearing, counsel for Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) informed the green panel that they have already been recording the data independently for ambient air quality in the national capital in the context of the car rationing scheme, which would end on April 30.

The bench, while disposing of a petition filed by scientist Mahendra Pandey, previously associated with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), said the concerned agencies will record and independently monitor the air pollution level during the running of the scheme.

He has sought independent monitoring of air quality index and alleged that vehicular emission was not a major contributing factor to the pollution.

Watch Video: Delhi People React To Odd-Even Phase II 

In his petition, while referring to an IIT Roorkee study, Pandey has claimed that no significant change in air quality was registered during the first phase of the scheme which was in force between January 1 and 15.

“In fact as per the data provided by CPCB it is clear that during odd even days the pollution levels were much higher than the pre-period and the post-period which raises serious concern about the much-hyped odd-even formula.

“After the completion of first phase of odd-even scheme, tall claims were made by Delhi government by publishing advertisements in newspapers about its success. However, no data was made public regarding the level of pollution till Tuesday. Therefore, the claims of success of the odd-even scheme is meaningless as it is not supported by any data,” the plea had said.

He has sought directions to CPCB and DPCC for separately monitoring levels of all parameters listed in Ambient Air Quality Standards during the second phase of the scheme so that proper comparison can be drawn.

From the homepage

‘She wanted to resign’: BLO dies by suicide, her family in Bengal alleges ‘work pressure’

MP’s elite Hawk Force loses decorated officer in encounter with armed Maoists

Who is Anmol Bishnoi? 5 things about the gangster extradited to India from US