Delhi is again in the grip of toxic air with air quality index falling to severe level. Residents are facing huge difficulty in breathing, walking and going out in public.
The court also directed the Centre to prepare a road map for installation of air-purifying towers to deal with the pollution crisis in the national capital.
This was the third edition of the odd-even restrictions, a flagship scheme of the AAP government, on private vehicles in Delhi.
There was haze as air quality around India Gate and Major Dhyan Chand Stadium remained in the 'Very Poor' category.
In a bid to tackle the national capital's air pollution, the Delhi government has also re-introduced the Odd-Even scheme. Today is the third day of the programme and this scheme will run till November 15.
The apex court also summoned chief secretaries of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to appear before it on stubble burning and pollution issue.
Speaking on the situation in the national capital, the court stated the situation was being repeated every year and it is not tolerable.
Delhi government's odd-even scheme came into force from 8 AM on Monday morning with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urging all citizens to use carpooling in order to control the deteriorating air quality in the national capital.
Principal Secretary to PM had earlier reviewed the situation on October 24. A series of meetings have taken place for the necessary preparation, including one meeting by the Cabinet Secretary on this subject (air pollution), on October 4.
The AQI, at 11 a.m., was recorded at 483 which is just short of the severe plus category which commences at an AQI threshold of 500. The situation is expected to persist till the early hours of Monday following which some respite is likely.
