New Delhi: "The odd-even scheme of vehicle restriction would not be extended beyond 15 days. The reports saying that it could go on are 'false'," said Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai on Saturday.

"News reports that Delhi government may extend odd-even formula trial beyond January 15 are false," Rai said.

"We will be examining trends and data collected during trial period after January 15 and the trial period won't be extended," he added.

On Friday, senior counsel Harish Salve, who appeared for the Delhi government in the high court to defend the scheme, said the curbs had "a definite positive effect" and "may be continued after this two weeks (planned 15 days) period."

After the Delhi High Court termed the national capital akin to a gas chamber, the Delhi government had announced this scheme, beginning on January 1, for even numbered four-wheeled vehicles to run on even numbered dates and vice-versa.

The scheme drew different set of opinions from all the section of the state as a lot of people criticized the initiative. Delhi High Court had asked the government to limit the plan just for the seven days.

The Delhi government claimed that the formula was successful and in future it can be used again. Delhi was found out to be one of the most polluted city in the world. To counter this, the government was forced to roll out the odd-even scheme.

(IANS) (Picture Courtesy:theindiantalks.com)