The National Green Tribunal on Wednesday questioned the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi about its odd-even scheme. The green court sought details of pollution levels in the capital before and after the plan was implemented, asking the state government to explain the difference in the air quality and the rationale behind the odd-even license plate scheme, The Times of India reported. “Wouldn’t it be better if the money spent on odd-even was spent on something else?”, the tribunal said.

According to data from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, particulate matter levels PM 2.5 and PM 10 – fine particles in the air that pose greater health risks – dropped in the first week of implementation of the scheme in April. However, pollution levels rose again in the second week, possibly because of a dip in wind speeds and crop fires in neighbouring states, the DPCC report said. The second phase of the odd-even plan was in force from April 15 to 30.

On Monday, the tribunal had asked the Delhi government why it was not emphasising issues of dust and the burning of waste material the way it promoted the odd-even scheme. It had also asked for specific information regarding pollution levels in the national capital while the plan was implemented. The Central Pollution Control Board had sought more time to submit the details.