Odd-Even: Citing women safety, Delhi govt argues for exemptions before NGT

Delhi policemen wear masks as a safety measure against pollution and smog. (File Photo)

The Delhi government Monday moved the National Green Tribunal (NGT) seeking modification of its November 11 order, which refused to grant exemption for women and two-wheelers from the odd-even vehicle rationing scheme. The government cited “hardship to two-wheeler owners” and “safety and security of women drivers” as reasons for approaching the Tribunal.

The application, filed before a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar, sought that exemptions be allowed for one year till the government procures 2,000 buses to accommodate more commuters. As per government officials, the procurement process for the buses will be completed by March 2018.

The application, which is likely to be heard on Tuesday, states: “The implementation of the scheme will cause great hardship to two-wheeler owners. This may affect the safety and security of women drivers also… In case women drivers are not included in the exempted list, there may be a likelihood that they do not find themselves comfortable while traveling in crowded public transport buses.”

READ | Choppers can’t battle smog — because of smog

Since 2011, successive governments in the capital have not been able to acquire new buses.

Last week, the NGT had given its approval to implement the scheme from November 13-17, but ordered that no exemption should be allowed to “any person and two-wheelers”. The government then put its plan on hold, citing lack of a robust public transport system.

In its order, the NGT also said the scheme should be implemented “without any default” as and when PM (particulate matter) 10 level goes above 500 µg/m3 and PM 2.5 levels cross 300 µg/m3 during a span of 48 hours.