- By Anushka Vats
- Wed, 08 Nov 2023 07:54 AM (IST)
- Source:ANI
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi mislead people and court with the odd-even scheme introduced to curb the increasing Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital, claimed an official release from LG's Office on Tuesday. The statement came as Delhi's air quality was recorded in the 'Severe' category for the consecutive sixth day on Tuesday.
"The much-publicized odd-even scheme to fight air pollution post-Diwali that was announced by the AAP Government yesterday is nothing but an attempt to mislead people and courts to divert attention from the ongoing severe crisis in the capital caused by air pollution," the statement said.
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"The file to this effect clearly shows that the decision to implement the odd-even scheme as a part of measures under GRAP-IV was not approved by Minister (Environment) Gopal Rai," it added.
Subsequently, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also conveyed his approval to defer a decision on odd-even plying of vehicles, as proposed by Gopal Rai, since the CM was out of town.
Meanwhile, the statement further said that the file in its para 158.2 proposed for physical classes for all classes up to class XI to be discontinued, lessons to be conducted online and all public, municipal and private offices to work on 50 per cent strength.
"All colleges/educational institutions and non-emergency commercial activities to be closed and vehicles to run on the odd-even basis of registration numbers," it added.
Al the proposals were approved by CM Arvind Kejriwal and Environment Minister Gopal Rai, except that about odd-even plying of vehicles, where they wanted a decision on implementation to be taken after advice from "experts".
The file was subsequently sent to the LG Secretariat for LG's approval. The LG Secretariat has flagged this deliberate misrepresentation in its letters to the CM Office.
(With ANI inputs)