Odd-Even Implemented In Delhi As Air Pollution Reaches Apocalyptic Levels

Odd-even traffic rationing for vehicles has been implemented in Delhi since 8 am on Monday with air pollution levels reaching a three-year high.

“Namaste Delhi. Odd-even is starting today to reduce pollution. Do follow odd-even for yourself, your children’s health and for the sake of your family’s breath. Share cars. This will build friendship, strengthen relationships as well as save petrol and reduce pollution. Delhi will show it again,” Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.

In the odd-even scheme, private vehicles with registration numbers ending with an odd digit will be allowed on roads on odd dates and those with an even digit on even dates. The scheme will end on November 15 depending on pollution levels then. Restrictions will not be imposed on Sunday. 

Two-wheelers and electric vehicles are exempted, while CNG vehicles are not.

The exemption rule also applies to vehicles used for medical emergencies and carrying school children in uniform, vehicles with VIPs, only women, children aged up to 12 years and those occupied by physically-disabled persons.

Delhi Metro will be running 61 additional trips to accommodate the extra rush. Cab aggregators Ola and Uber have reportedly said that they will not be applying surge pricing during this time.

The BJP, which is the opposition in Delhi, will protest against the odd-even scheme. Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Goel said he will defy the rule by riding his car on the streets of Delhi.

The Air Quality Index at several places in Delhi crossed 999 on Sunday. The acceptable limit is 200.