EPCA welcomes moves, but questions implementation

The Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control Authority) Authority (EPCA) on Thursday welcomed the implementation of the Odd-even scheme by the Delhi government and said that it was recommended under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The Supreme Courtappointed body, however, asserted that the government should take all responsibilities of the scheme and to monitor its effects.

“It is completely a government decision and we have just recommended it. The government should monitor it properly and take all responsibility of its outcomes,” said Bhure Lal, Chairperson, EPCA.

EPCA had earlier urged the government to implement all plans under the ‘severe' plus category of GRAP.

The Authority also said that the plan should not disrupt other ongoing decisions to combat air pollution.

EPCA member Mukhesh Khare stated, “The last time we noted that the outcome of Oddeven is nothing outstanding.”

He elaborated that due to several exemptions in the scheme, the final outcome does not have much effect.

“We noted that during the hours when this scheme is not enforced, all vehicles move, thereby keeping the pollution level high. This happens during late night and early morning,” Khare said.

However, he expressed hope that air quality will become better in the last week of November.