Odd-even 2.0: Green court asks CPCB to monitor pollution level

National Green Tribunal on Tuesday asked the Central Pollution Control Board to independently monitor and record the data of ambient air quality in Delhi during the ongoing second phase of the odd-even scheme.

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.

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. 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.”

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.