Chief Justice endorses odd-even formula

Justice TS Thakur virtually endorsed the idea, by saying that this can be followed if it helps in reducing the problem. Thakur’s statement was welcomed by the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Commenting on the ambitious move by the AAP-government in wake of alarming levels of pollution in the city, Thakur said the problem was grave and drastic measures were needed to curb pollution. Asked whether the apex court judges would follow the policy and sacrifice by resorting to car pooling to reach the court, he said, “We would love to do so if it helps reduce pollution.”  “There is no difficulty in this. I think this is the bare minimum which we can do. People call it sacrifice. This not a sacrifice, this is symbolic to show that judges are doing it,” said Thakur. In response to a specific query on how the CJI would follow it, Justice Thakur said he could share the car with his next door neighbour judge Justice AK Sikri.

Reacting to Thakur’s views, Kejriwal said in a tweet, “CJI’s support 2 odd even formula is welcome n huge encouragement. SC judges pooling cars wud inspire millions 2 follow. Thank u My Lords.”  Later Kejriwal told reporters:“The way he (CJI) has extended his support, Delhi Government and the public is extremely thankful and will feel encouraged. If Supreme Court judges can resort to car pooling, it will be inspirational for others too.”

Meanwhile, outlining the contours of its ambitious plan Delhi government on Sunday said odd-numbered cars will be allowed to ply on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while even-numbered vehicles will run on the other days - Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Delhi Home Minister Satyendra Jain said the Government will only allow emergency vehicles like PCR van, fire tenders and ambulances on the roads of the national capital. Jain, who is also PWD and Health minister, said there is a need to take strict measures to clean the city’s toxic air and even-odd formula will also be applicable on all ministers and bureaucrats in the national capital region. “On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, odd numbered vehicles will be allowed on roads in a week. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday will have even numbered vehicles on roads, and we will not allow any leeway to anyone,” said Jain. The minister said that the government will only allow emergency vehicles like PCR van, Fire tenders, ambulance to run on roads in the national capital.

“Odd-Even formula will also be applicable on all ministers and officers. I will also use my car on alternate days and will use carpooling service on other days,”he added. The minister has also sought people’s suggestions on the government’s odd-even formula. People can send suggestions to mailto:[email protected], he said. “Pollution level has gone up in winter in Delhi. Due to heavy smog, such a situation has emerged that people are being advised against going for exercise,” he added. Jain also said that the government also would do something about rampant use of generators by companies in the national capital which also contribute to pollution. “We will soon discuss this issue in a meeting,” said the minister.

Delhi’s transport minister Gopal Rai informed that the government would review the scheme after 15 days of its implementation in the city. 

“We have also invited suggestions from citizens to make it feasible and easy for implementation,” said Rai. On issue of shortage of buses in the city, he replied that Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) had expedited the process to purchase 7,000 buses. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday had said that the government would discontinue the move after 10-15 days if people faced problems. 

However Delhi government, through this formula, expects to cut down vehicular emission by half.