ODD-EVEN FORMULA TO BE IMPLEMENTED FROM NOVEMBER 13
AMN / NEW DELHI
In the wake of severe smog and air pollution in the city, the Delhi government has decided to implement ‘Odd-Even’ formula from November 13th to 17th.
The odd-even car rationing scheme will be enforced in Delhi for a five-day period from 13th to 17th of this month from 8 AM to 8 PM.
Under the Odd-Even formula, vehicles with the registration number ending with an even number are allowed on roads on an even date while those ending in an odd number are allowed on odd dates. The scheme was enforced in Delhi twice in 2016.
The capital has declared a pollution emergency and banned the entry of trucks and construction activity; the odd-even scheme which restricts traffic will apply from Monday to Friday. There are growing calls for bigger government action to tackle what doctors have declared a public health crisis.
Residents are complaining of headaches, coughs and smarting eyes. All 6,000 schools in Delhi are closed till the end of the week. A Delhi government advisory has urged anyone with breathing difficulties to remain indoors and said everyone should avoid strenuous activity.
Briefing media in New Delhi, Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said that pollution has risen in the city due to crop burning by neighbouring states.
He said, DMRC has promised to help with 100 small buses for last mile connectivity. Mr Gahlot also informed that the exemptions in the scheme will be the same as last time.
He said, IGL stickers for cars will be available from tomorrow at 22 CNG stations across Delhi. He requested all people and agencies to cooperate saying the transport helpline will be ready to assist.
The decision comes as air pollution levels spiked in the national capital. Under the policy, odd-numbered cars are allowed to run on odd dates while even-numbered cars can only run on even dates.
In 2016, the scheme was enforced twice, from 1st to 15th January and 15th to 30th April.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urged Punjab and Haryana to stop their farmers from burning waste as they prep to sow the winter crop of wheat. He said the Chief Ministers of both states have yet to grant him the appointments he has sought.
Earlier, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, if the need arises decision on Odd-Even formula will be taken by today or tomorrow.
Kejriwal said, “For a month (from mid-October to mid-November) the whole northern India becomes a gas chamber, not just Delhi.” He said that the high increase in PM (Particulate Molecules) levels in Delhi were not just due to local reasons, also, blamed crop burning for worsening air quality. However, he said that people and Government of Delhi are ready to take all steps but these steps will not be enough until a solution to crop burning is found.
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