In a move to combat the escalating air pollution crisis, Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, announced on Monday that the Odd-Even vehicle rationing system will be reintroduced in the city for a one-week period, spanning from November 13 to November 20.
The Odd-Even system is a measure that limits the use of vehicles based on the last digit of their license plates, and it has been periodically implemented in Delhi to address the city’s severe air quality concerns.
Rai’s decision comes as air pollution levels have reached alarming heights, posing health risks to the city’s residents.
“In view of air pollution, the Odd-Even vehicle system will be applicable for one week from November 13th to November 20th,” Rai announced during a press conference.
Under the Odd-Even scheme, vehicles with license plate numbers ending in an even digit (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) are permitted to operate on even dates, while those with license plate numbers ending in odd digits (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) are allowed to ply on odd dates.
In addition to the Odd-Even scheme, the government has also instructed schools to suspend physical classes, with the exception of classes 10 and 12, until November 10. Rai further mentioned that a decision regarding a work-from-home order for 50% of employees in government and private offices in Delhi will be made at a later time.
These announcements followed a high-level meeting chaired by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The meeting was attended by Minister Atishi, Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj, and officials from relevant departments.
Rai also noted that the pollution levels are expected to decrease in the coming days due to an increase in wind speed.
“As per the forecast, the wind speed will be 12 km per hour on November 7th, and if the speed reaches 10 to 12 km per hour, there is a possibility that the accumulated pollution levels might disperse. Similarly, the wind speed will be 8-10 km per hour on November 8th, which is expected to reduce the level of pollution,” he stated.
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Source: Hindustan Times
