Air quality in Delhi deteriorated considerably in the first three working days after the 15-day trial period of the odd-even number plate scheme ended, the Centre for Science and Environment said in a study. It added that levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) rose more than 57% and reached the ‘severe’ category on the first working day, and warned that pollution will be worse by the delayed winter unless preventive measures are implemented soon, PTI reported.

The green body suggested the Delhi government enforce its plan to tackle pollution for the rest of winter post haste, and bring down the volume of traffic and streamline the functioning of public transport. Other steps it suggested are implementing the Supreme Court’s directions such as stronger enforcement on diversion of truck traffic, serving closure notices to coal-based Badarpur Power Station power plant, and issuing a notice to expedite the implementation of Euro VI emissions standards for vehicles.