Odd-even misdirected, enforce pollution norms: PIL in HC

On a day the second phase of the odd-even scheme was announced, a PIL was today moved in the High Court alleging that the government has "maliciously misdirected themselves" to cut the number of vehicles on road instead of enforcing pollution control rules.
The petition by NGO 'Campaign for People Participation in Development Planning' alleges that the rise in vehicle- generated air pollution in Delhi was due to "non-enforcement and non-implementation" of the 1988 Motor Vehicle Act, which prescribes punishment for driving a polluting vehicle.
The petition filed through advocate Anil Aggarwal has claimed 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.

"Instead of checking vehicles and stopping the offending vehicle from being driven on 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 vehicle 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," said the petition, which named the Centre and Lt Governor as respondents.
It claimed that such action also "impinges on fundamental rights of the people".
The AAP government today announced the second phase of the odd-even scheme of vehicle rationing from April 15 to 30.

The NGO said "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." the society has claimed in its plea.

It sought directions to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and LG to "immediately and strictly enforce and implement section 190 of the Act" for preventing polluting vehicles from being driven on the roads.
The society also sought carrying out of surprise inspections of pollution control centres to ensure PUC certificates were being issued after carrying out all prescribed tests.

It has also sought an immediate survey of number of house-hold factories and industrial units "illegally operating in unauthorized colonies" and their removal, saying they too contribute towards air pollution.