Delhi Government Reinstates Odd-Even Scheme Amid Severe Air Pollution Crisis
Written by Sanjay Kumar
News highlights
- Odd-even rule for commute in Delhi is back from November 13-20.
- The government has directed schools to suspend physical classes.
- On Monday at 7 am, Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 440.
In response to the persistently “severe” air quality levels in Delhi, the Delhi government has announced the reimplementation of the odd-even scheme starting from November 13 to November 20. Additionally, the government has directed schools to suspend physical classes, with the exception of classes 10 and 12, until November 10. These measures come as a response to the looming threat of worsening air quality following the Diwali festival.
Under the odd-even scheme, vehicles with registration numbers ending in odd digits (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) will be permitted to ply on odd dates, while vehicles with registration numbers ending in even digits (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) will be allowed on even dates. The scheme, which has been previously enforced in Delhi, is a part of the Graded Response Action Plan, specifically designated under Stage IV, also known as the “severe plus” category.
Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasized that further decisions regarding the continuation of the scheme would be made based on pollution levels recorded during the week when the scheme is in effect.
Weather conditions, including wind speed, are being closely monitored, with the hope that improved wind speed will aid in dispersing accumulated pollutants. As of Monday (November 6), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remained at 429, indicating “severe” air quality.
The Delhi government has already taken several pollution control measures, including the deployment of mobile anti-smog guns, road sweeping machines, and water sprinklers. Furthermore, other measures initiated under GRAP Stage IV include a ban on diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi (except those providing essential services), a ban on trucks (except CNG/electric vehicles and those carrying essentials), and a ban on construction and demolition activities, including linear projects like highways and roads.
Transport department officials are expected to discuss the implementation details of the scheme at a meeting scheduled for Tuesday. One of the key areas of discussion is likely to revolve around the possibility of extending the odd-even scheme beyond the initially proposed November 13-20 period.