The National Green Tribunal on Tuesday asked the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to independently monitor and record the data of ambient air quality in Delhi during the ongoing second phase of
The National Green Tribunal on Tuesday asked the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to independently monitor and record the data of ambient air quality in Delhi during the ongoing second phase of the odd-even scheme.
The bench, headed by NGT chairperson Swatanter Kumar, also asked the CPCB to record and analyse the data of before and after the fortnight-long scheme period.
During the brief hearing, counsel for the 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 30 April.
The bench, while disposing of a petition filed by scientist Mahendra Pandey, previously associated with the CPCB, said the concerned agencies will record and independently monitor the air pollution level during the running of the scheme.
He has sought an independent monitoring of air quality index and alleged that vehicular emission was not a major contributing factor to the pollution.
In his petition, while refe-rring to an IIT-Roorkee stu-dy, Mr 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 1-15.
“In fact, as per the data provided by the CPCB, it is clear that during the 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. After the completion of the first phase of the odd-even scheme, tall claims were made by the Delhi government by publishing advertisements in newspapers about its success. However, no data was made public regarding the level of pollution till today. Therefore, the claims of success of the odd-even scheme is meaningless as it is not supported by any data,” the plea had said.
He has sought directions to the 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.
