Odd-even scheme in Delhi: Will 2-wheeler owners be banned from using their vehicles during next Odd-even scheme? The question has been haunting not just the bikers, but also the Delhi government. The Supreme Court today stayed NGT order directing that odd-even vehicle rotation scheme be implemented for two-wheelers too in Delhi. The stay order was given in the wake of Delhi government's submission before the apex court that it was impossible to accommodate people in public transport if odd-even scheme is made applicable for two-wheelers also.
 
The National Green Tribunal in its 2017 order had directed that odd-even vehicle rotation scheme be made applicable for two-wheelers also in Delhi.
 
A bench comprising Justices Madan B Lokur and Dipak Gupta was reportedly told by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) A N S Nadkarni, appearing for Delhi government, that it would be impossible to accommodate people in public transport if odd-even scheme is made applicable for two-wheelers also.
 
Nadkarni reportedly submitted before the SC that there were around 68 lakh two-wheelers in Delhi and they were seeking exemption for two-wheelers, adding that the NGT order was passed on December 15, 2017, and they were complying with all directions but want exemption for two-wheelers in the odd-even scheme.
 
Notably, the NGT had in December last year dismissed the Delhi government's review plea seeking exemption for two-wheelers in odd-even scheme, saying such a relaxation would defeat the purpose of improving Delhi's ambient air quality. 
 
The Delhi government had proposed rule in 2015 to run vehicles with odd and even numbers on alternate days to reduce air pollution due to vehicular movement in the capital. 
 
Although air pollution is a serious problem in Delhi and vehicular traffic is thought to be the main culprit, a new study done in the capital has come to a conclusion that traffic density alone doesn’t have much impact on the amount or intensity of air pollution in the city. 
 
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The study, conducted during implementation of traffic rationing policy or odd-even scheme from January 1 to 15, 2016, stated that there were other environmental factors also that played a vital role.