Delhi Government Reintroduces Odd-Even Rule to Tackle Air Pollution
The Delhi government has announced that it will reintroduce the odd-even rule from November 13 to 20 in response to concerns about deteriorating air quality. Delhi Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister Gopal Rai made the announcement after a high-level meeting, stating that the rule will come into effect a day after Diwali, which falls on November 12, and will last for one week.
Gopal Rai also mentioned that a decision on extending the odd-even rule further would be made later. “In view of air pollution, the odd-even vehicle system will be applicable for one week from 13th to 20th November,” he stated.
He also expressed hope that the wind speed would increase on November 7 and 8, which could help reduce pollution levels. “As per the forecast, the wind speed will be 12km/hour tomorrow, 7th November, and if it reaches 10 to 12 km/hour, 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. It is expected that the speed of wind will increase on November 7 and 8 November, which will reduce the level of pollution,” he explained.
The odd-even scheme, implemented by the Delhi government, is a traffic rationing measure in which vehicles with registration numbers ending with an odd digit are allowed on roads on odd dates, and those with an even digit on even dates.
According to data from the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR-India), the air quality in the National Capital recorded a value of 488, up from 410 the previous day.
In addition, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has decided to invoke Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) to prevent further deterioration of air quality. This decision comes in addition to the restrictions already in place under Stage I to III of the plan.
The GRAP Stage-IV restrictions include a ban on truck traffic entering Delhi, except for those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services. Delhi-registered diesel-operated Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) will also be banned, except for those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services. The Delhi government may also decide to discontinue physical classes for classes VI-IX and class XI, conducting lessons online instead.
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