'People will buy two cars': NGT questions odd-even scheme

The National Green Tribunal on Friday cast doubts over Delhi government's decision to restrict plying of private vehicles bearing odd and even registration numbers on alternate days from January 1, saying it may even encourage people to buy two cars.

"The odd-even scheme which you are proposing to implement what consequences is it going to have on traffic and pollution? What will be other measures which you propose to set up to make your plan a success? In our view this may not serve the ends which you are trying to achieve," it said.

The tribunal's observations came against the backdrop of a volley of questions being raised including on security concerns for women and adequate public transport to deal with the situation.

"It may even encourage people to buy new cars, we have to prevent that. Are you sure compressed natural gas vehicles will not cause pollution? If you are introducing 6,000 new vehicles, you should be sure that they do not cause pollution, because even electric buses cause pollution. You have to tell us that this is the best choice," the green panel said.

"What other steps are you going to take to make your effort a success? There are reports that you are going to make exemptions. We don't know what the exact status is, but we would like you to give a definite proposal on odd-even formula. We do appreciate that this is a good step. Taken in isolation will it serve the end which you are trying to achieve and what others steps are you going to take," a bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said.

It pulled up the Delhi government for its plan to introduce 6,000 new buses without conducting any study or research.

"As an ancillary measure, you have taken a decision to introduce these 6,000 buses. No study has been carried out. Buses are not going to be even and odd. In this scenario, what is your stand on capping and aging of vehicles as they are interconnected? You need space for parking a bus. One bus normally takes the place of 10 cars. If that is the scenario, tell us which 10 cars you are going to replace?" the tribunal asked.

"The Metro, which is one of the most successful projects, was introduced, with an expectation that it will do wonders. Still, the roads have become much crowded, so the expectation of decongestion has not materialised," the bench noted.

The tribunal also slammed Delhi Transport Corporation for mismanagement of its resources and plying empty buses on roads in the capital.

"We are shocked that we requested the DTC to conduct a study of rescheduling of their buses. Till date, they have not given any report. We don't know how to get things done. Is it necessary that in every case a contempt notice is issued? We told DTC that please conduct a survey and don’t ply empty buses for most part of the day. It is waste of money and resources," it said.

On December 4, the Delhi government had come out with odd-even scheme for plying of private vehicles in the city which will be in force from 8 am to 8 pm from January 1 for an initial period of 15 days and there will be no restrictions on vehicular movement on Sundays.