Plea in HC against odd-even scheme

As the AAP government announced bringing back of odd-even scheme in the national capital, a PIL was filed at the Delhi High Court against the decision, saying the rise in vehicle-generated air pollution was due to non-enforcement and non-implementation of the pollution control rules.

The petition filed by NGO, Campaign for People Participation in Development Planning, said it was not feasible to cut the number of vehicles on road instead of enforcing pollution control rules, which prescribes punishment for driving a polluting vehicle. It sought direction for government to prevent polluting vehic les from being driven on the roads.

"Continued failure of the respondents in enforcing section 190 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, vehicle generated air pollution level has gravely risen in past years, endangering health and life of the people of the capital," said the plea, filed through advocate Anil Aggarwal.

"Instead of checking vehicles and stopping the offending vehicle from being driven on the road, the respondents, who are guilty of dereliction of duty on their part to enforce and implement section 190, maliciously misdirected themselves to cut the number of vehicles on road by prohibiting even and odd-numbered vehicles from being driven on alternate days, in manner and terms contrary to the very object and purpose of the Act."

It added that pollution tests carried out at the checking centres were a sham and pollution under control (PUC) certificates were being "casually issued" with the knowledge of the government and its agencies.

The plea also sought carrying out of surprise inspections of pollution control centres to ensure PUC certificates were being issued after carrying out all prescribed tests.

The odd-even traffic scheme aimed at curbing pollution will be back in Delhi from April 15 to 30, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced here on Thursday.