New Delhi: In wake of rising pollution in the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said that the Odd-Even traffic rationing scheme can be extended if required. "Delhi's air quality is deteriorating due to stubble burning. However, it has reduced a little due to rains in Punbaj and Haryana. If required, we will extend the Odd-Even scheme," Kejriwal told media.

The Odd-Even vehicle rationing scheme was implemented on "non-transport four-wheeled vehicles", exempting two-wheelers and emergency vehicles. The scheme has been implemented from November 4 to 15. It is applicable from 8 am to 8 pm, except on Sundays.

Watch | Odd-Even scheme may be extended in Delhi if needed: Kejriwal



Meanwhile, on the other hand, the Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Delhi government on a plea challenging the odd-even road rationing scheme in the national capital. A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and Deepak Gupta also directed the Delhi government and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to place before it the data of pollution in Delhi from October till November 14 this year.

The bench also directed them to submit pollution data from October 1 to December 31, 2018.

Also Read | Delhi-NCR Air Quality Nears 'Emergency'; Odd-Even Back But Schools Remain Open

The scheme, aimed at combatting pollution, was first implemented in 2015. However, when implemented this year, a petition was filed by a Noida-based advocate, who has alleged that the Delhi government's November 1 notification on the scheme also violates fundamental rights. It alleged that the odd-even rule violates citizens' rights to practice any profession, carry out any occupation, trade or business and to move freely throughout the country.

Questioning the rationale behind the scheme, the plea claimed that three sources of data on Delhi's air-quality, including those by the CPCB and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), have confirmed that in the past the odd-even rule did not lower pollution levels in the national capital.

The plea also alleged that there seems to be a strong nexus between stubble-burning framers, political parties, air purifier companies and mask-making companies.

The top court had earlier questioned the Delhi government as to what it was achieving from the odd-even scheme by stopping plying of cars that are less polluting compared to two and three-wheelers and taxis.

Delhi Pollution Pictures | Air In National Capital Strays Deeper Into ‘Severe’ Zone

The rule was implemented in view of the air quality crisis which hits the capital every winter. After a brief respite for a few days, the Air Quality Index again plunged to 'severe' this morning with a thick blanket of smog shrouding the national capital.