This story is from December 7, 2015

CJI Thakur backs Delhi government's odd-even plan

Chief Justice of India T S Thakur has backed the Delhi government's formula of allowing odd and even-numbered private vehicles to ply on alternate days, saying Supreme Court judges would follow it if it helped control the deteriorating air quality in the national capital.
CJI Thakur backs Delhi government's odd-even plan
NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India T S Thakur has backed the Delhi government's formula of allowing odd and even-numbered private vehicles to ply on alternate days, saying Supreme Court judges would follow it if it helped control the deteriorating air quality in the national capital.
Welcoming the government's decision, Justice Thakur said all steps should be taken to make the air of the city clean and pollution free. He, however, expressed apprehension whether pollution can be checked only by implementing the odd-even formula and said the real reason behind pollution should be found out.
READ ALSO: Under new plan, odd-numbered vehicles to run on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, announces Delhi government
"There is no difficulty in it.
This is the minimum which we can do to save the city. We would love to follow the rule if it helps in controlling pollution. It is not a sacrifice on our part but a symbolic gesture," Justice Thakur said while interacting with reporters at his residence.
He said SC judges live near each other and can car-pool for going to work. Pointing out that a study had found that the pollution level in the CJI's courtroom was ten times the normal level, Justice Thakur said the situation in the SC court rooms and surrounding areas was alarming.
Citing burning of crop residue in Delhi's neighbouring states as one of the main reasons for pollution, the CJI appealed to the governments to announce some incentive for farmers to stop the practice. "When I went to Punjab, I saw the state was virtually burning as crop residue was being burnt in fields on a large scale. I also raised the issue with the Prime Minister, who told me he had also spoken on the side effects of this practice in his 'Mann Ki Baat'," he said.

READ ALSO:From January 1, even and odd numbered vehicles to be allowed on alternate days in Delhi
Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal called CJI's endorsement a "huge encouragement". He tweeted, "CJI's support 2 odd even formula is welcome n huge encouragement. SC judges pooling cars wud inspire millions 2 follow. Thank u My Lords."
Kejriwal on Saturday said the plan, which is to kick off from January 1, is an "experiment" to deal with the "emergency situation" in the city. He said it could be discontinued if people faced problems.
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