Air pollution: Odd-even scheme back in Delhi for 5 days from Monday

The odd-even car rationing scheme will be rolled out in Delhi for five days from Monday as part of a graded response plan to tackle the alarming pollution situation in the city, the state government announced on Thursday.

The scheme would be in place from 8 am to 8 pm and there would be exemptions for women drivers and two-wheelers, Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said.

“The exemptions will be similar as last year and there is no need for people to panic,” he told reporters.

The minister also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to call a meeting of chief ministers of Delhi and adjoining states to find a solution to the crisis.

The Delhi government has directed Delhi Transport Corporation to hire 500 buses from private contractors to

tackle the rush of commuters during the odd-even implementation week.

“Delhi Metro has also promised to provide 100 small buses during the period. Schools will be free to provide their buses voluntarily. However, there will be no compulsion,” Gahlot said.

Compressed natural gas vehicles will be exempted but will need to have stickers in place. These will be available at 22 IGL stations across Delhi from 2 pm on Friday.

“The old stickers which were issued in the last edition of odd-even will be valid, too,” the minister said.

Under the policy, Odd-numbered private cars are allowed to ply on odd dates while even-numbered ones can only run on even dates.

In 2016, the scheme was enforced twice — January 1-15 and April 15-30.