Odd-Even rule kick-starts in gasping Delhi
By Bhartendu Sharma Published on 4 Nov 2019 7:32 AM GMT
Delhi: The Odd-Even rule took off in New Delhi from 8 am today as a thick envelope of smog continued to choke the National Capital region. The city witnessed one of its worst pollution levels on Sunday, with the overall air quality index at 625 and raising serious health hazards.
Under the pollution management move, private vehicles with registration number ending with an odd digit will be allowed to ply on roads on odd dates and those with an even digit on even dates. The traffic-rationing arrangement will continue till November 15.
Over the past few days, Delhi's air quality has deteriorated to such an extent that people are struggling to breathe even in their homes.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to Twitter on Monday morning, urging the masses to follow the Odd-Even rule. "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," Kejriwal wrote in Hindi on the microblogging site.
The Delhi police said they will ensure strict implementation of the Odd-Even rule. They said in a statement on Sunday: "Delhi police has identified 200 traffic points to implement odd and even scheme of plying of person four-wheeler motor vehicles as per GNCT notification. This has been done in coordination with transport department also. Challan will be done on the spot through echallan system."
All you need to know about Odd-Even
The traffic-rationing system will be implemented from November 4 to 15. It will be in force from 8 am to 8 pm daily, except on Sundays.
On November 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14, private vehicles with registration numbers ending with 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 will not be allowed on the roads, while vehicles with numbers 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 are prohibited on November 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15. The restrictions are also applicable to vehicles with registration numbers of other states.
Who all are exempted
The rule does not apply to two-wheelers and electric vehicles. However, those running on CNG are not exempted. There will be no restrictions on vehicles used for medical emergencies or ferrying school children. Vehicles with children aged up to 12 years, physically challenged persons, VIPs and only women are also exempted.
BJP to protest against Odd-Even
BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Goel termed the move a drama and has said he will stage protest against this on Monday. "This is all an election stunt and drama by the Kejriwal government. In the last five years, they have done nothing to control pollution in Delhi. I will hold a symbolic protest to send out a message to the people that odd-even is of no use," Goel said.
Atleast he is taking some steps , lets support #oddevendobara
— Curious Keeda (@Curi0us_Keeda) November 4, 2019
