Odd-Even Scheme In Delhi To Combat Air Pollution From November 13, Says Environment Minister Gopal Rai

On Monday morning the pollution levels in Delhi-NCR were measured at approximately seven to eight times higher than the government-mandated safe limit, with a noxious haze lingering over the area for the seventh consecutive day.

Outlook Web Desk

Updated on: 6 November 2023 9:10 am

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai

Gopal Rai, Delhi's Environment Minister, announced on Monday that the odd-even car rationing scheme will be enforced in the city from November 13 to 20 as a measure to combat air pollution.

Rai made the announcement during a press conference here. "The odd-even scheme will come into effect in Delhi after Diwali, running from November 13 to November 20. A decision to extend the scheme will be made after November 20."

The odd-even scheme alternates car usage based on number plate digits.

Additionally, Rai announced the suspension of in-person classes for all schools, with the exception of students in grades X and XII preparing for board exams, in order to prioritize the health of schoolchildren.

Furthermore, pollution levels in Delhi-NCR on Monday morning soared to approximately seven to eight times beyond the government-mandated safe threshold, with a persistent toxic haze covering the region for the seventh consecutive day. The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI), recorded at 4 pm daily, worsened from 415 on Saturday to 454 on Sunday. This prompted the implementation of all emergency measures prescribed under the final Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) by the Centre to combat air pollution.

According to a 2018 study conducted by The Energy and Resources Institute, vehicular emissions contribute to roughly 40 percent of the PM 2.5 pollution in the national capital.