As the air quality in the national capital region continues to be in the severe category, the Delhi government on Monday said that the odd-even scheme for vehicles will be reimposed in the state from November 13 to November 20.

"In view of the rise in air pollution, the government has decided to implement the Odd-Even vehicle system beginning November 13 to November 20. The scheme will be applicable for a week," says Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai today.

According to Rai, the government will take further actions after reviewing the air pollution in the state during the week of the Odd-Even scheme. The Odd-Even scheme restricts the usage of vehicles based on the number plates. Under the scheme, vehicle plate numbers ending with Odd numbers (1,3,5,7 and) can ply on the road on odd dates, whereas vehicle plate numbers ending with even numbers (0,2,4,6 and 8) are allowed to operate on even dates.

Rai also urged the Haryana and Punjab governments to keep a check on bursting firecrackers in order to curtail air pollution. Ahead of Diwali, the government has already put a ban on bursting firecrackers as the state’s overall air quality continued to deteriorate.

On Monday, the national capital region entered the seventh day with worsening air quality. The air quality index (AQI) continued to stand at 488, as per the data available from the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR-India). In view of the decline in air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked stage IV of GRAP with immediate effect in the national capital region, along with all actions under stages I, II and III.

Under stage IV of GRAP, the government has prohibited construction and demolition activities throughout the region. The entry of diesel-operated medium and heavy goods vehicles, and non-Delhi registered light commercial vehicles (except electric vehicles/CNG/BS-VI diesel vehicles) have also been prohibited in Delhi. Entry of these vehicles is allowed in the state only for carrying essential goods and services. The government has also restricted the movement of trucks into Delhi. However, the entry of trucks carrying essential goods and services and all LNG/CNG/electric trucks are allowed in the region.

Apart from this, the government has asked schools to remain shut till November 10-, with online classes for students of Class VI-XI.

Delhi Air Quality Index

Delhi air pollution: Odd-even scheme reimposed from Nov 13