Odd-Even rule back in Delhi for a week, to be implemented from Nov 13- Nov 20

New Delhi: Amidst the worsening Air Quality Index (AQI), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on Monday announced rolling out of the Odd & Even Policy in the national capital, with effect from November 13-20.

The odd-even rule policy on plying of vehicles in the capital comes on back of thickening smog cover.

Delhi Environment minister Gopal Rai told the media that the Odd-Even policy will be implemented in the capital to curb the rising air pollution.

The curbs in commutation of vehicles will be implemented, just a day after Diwali. Notably, the Odd-Even Scheme has been the flagship of Kejriwal-led AAP government, which despite barrage of criticism, has made a comeback this year.

#WATCH | Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai says “As per the forecast, the wind speed will be 12km/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… pic.twitter.com/8N74LqfYcy

— ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2023

Minister Gopal Rai also said that there are possibility of rising wind speed on November 7 and this will help in curtailing the air pollution.

The odd-even scheme of Delhi government is a traffic rationing measure, under which all private vehicles with odd & even numbers are allowed to ply on the roads on odd & even dates respectively.

Notably, the capital has been choking with toxic air for a week now and residents are gasping for a breath of fresh air. The AQI has deteriorated to alarming levels in various areas, with average crossing past 400 mark.

In the morning, a blanket of toxic smog cloaks the city while the noons are no different for past some days. The thick cover of smog has raised big health concerns for the city residents as high AQI index leads to multiple lungs & eye related ailment in many people, mostly children and the elderly.

Delhi schools shut

Delhi Minister also briefed the media that all the schools in the city will be shut except Class 10 to 12 till November 10. As of now, the classes upto Class 5 are suspended.

If the deteriorating air quality is arrested in some days, the schools might open after Diwali, though decision to this effect will be taken later.

Meanwhile, the AQI levels in Delhi crossed past 400 mark in many places, which is dangerously above the prescribed limit of WHO. Some of the areas with lowest AQI included RK Puram (466), ITO (402), Patparganj (471), and New Moti Bagh (488).