Delhi’s environment minister Gopal Rai on Monday announced that the Odd-Even vehicle Policy rationing system would be reintroduced for a one-week period from November 13 to November 20. The Odd-Even system, which restricts the usage of vehicles based on the last digit of their license plates, has been an occasional measure employed in Delhi to mitigate the city’s severe air pollution issues.
Rai’s decision comes in the wake of mounting pollution levels and health concerns affecting the city’s residents.
Additional Measures to Combat Pollution in the National Capital to odd-even vechile policy
“In view of air pollution, the Odd-Even vehicle Policy will be applicable for one week from 13th to 20th November,” Rai told a press conference here.
Under the Odd-Even scheme, vehicles with license plate numbers ending in an even digit (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) are allowed to operate on even dates, while those ending in odd digits (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) can ply on odd dates.
The government has also directed schools to suspend physical classes, barring classes 10 and 12, until November 10, the minister said. Rai further announced that the call on work-for-home order for 50 per cent of staff in government and private offices in Delhi will be taken later.
The series of announcements was made after a high-level meeting chaired by Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. The meeting was attended by Rai, ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bhardwaj and officials of the concerned departments.
Rai said that the pollution level is expected to decline tomorrow as the forecast suggests an increase in wind speed.
“As per the forecast, the wind speed will be 12km per hour tomorrow, 7th November and if the speed reaches 10 to 12 km/hour, then there is a possibility that the level of pollution accumulated here might disperse. Similarly, the wind speed will be 8-10 km/hour on 8th November…which will reduce the level of pollution,” he said.
The Odd-Even system has been previously implemented in Delhi as an emergency measure to combat the city’s deteriorating air quality, primarily due to vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and crop burning in neighboring states.
While the initiative has met with mixed reactions from the public, it is one of the measures aimed at reducing traffic congestion and air pollution during the city’s hazardous periods.
Air quality in Delhi has been a major concern as pollution levels frequently spike during the winter months. The city’s poor air quality has been linked to various health issues, including respiratory problems and heart diseases, impacting the well-being of its residents.
Odd-Even scheme
The Delhi government has also been advocating for the use of public transportation, electric vehicles, and cycling to reduce the burden of vehicular emissions on the environment. The Odd-Even scheme is part of a multi-pronged strategy to address the air quality crisis in the national capital.
Furthermore, the government has urged residents to use face masks and air purifiers to safeguard their health during periods of poor air quality. Awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate citizens about the dangers of air pollution and the importance of reducing personal contributions to it.
Despite the challenges and debates around the Odd-Even system, its reintroduction signals the seriousness of the air pollution issue in Delhi. The government’s decision to tackle the problem through a combination of measures indicates the commitment to improving the overall quality of life for the city’s residents.
As Delhi prepares for another episode of the Odd-Even vehicle rationing system, the hope is that the temporary restrictions will contribute to a significant reduction in air pollution levels and pave the way for cleaner, healthier days ahead for the capital’s population.
Read Now:Russia Successfully Test-Launches Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
