Odd-even in Delhi from today

New Delhi, November 3

Come Monday, and Delhi will witness the third odd-even car rationing scheme kick off, as the national capital is not only grappling for a dash of fresh air but the sight of a clear blue sky. With Chhath celebrations witnessing some use of firecrackers, it has only aggravated Delhi-NCR’s hazardous air quality that turned so bad on Sunday that flights had to be diverted.

Odd-even is a car rationing system where though vehicles running with number plates ending with even numbers like 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 will be allowed to run on even dates, those with number plates ending with odd numbers like 1,3,5,7 and 9 will be allowed to run on odd dates. This is a way to curb the number of cars plying on streets and hence bring down the pollution emanating from vehicles to a certain extent.

Many experts, though, have contested the logic, saying vehicular pollution is not as big a concern for Delhi-NCR as other forms of pollution like construction activity.

The odd-even scheme will kick off on November 4 and will remain in force till November 15. The rule will be applicable in Delhi from 8 am to 8 pm. However, the rule will not be enforced on Sundays.

In a move that defies logic and has drawn criticism, the Kejriwal government has exempted two-wheelers, whereas even personal CNG cars, which are much cleaner, will be subjected to rules this time. Political opponents of the AAP see it as an appeasement policy by the Kejriwal government, whose core voter base ranges from lower middle class to poor. — IANS

WHO WILL BE EXEMPT

• Women driving alone, cars having all women as occupants and women accompanied by children aged less than 12 years
• Vehicles used for medical emergencies
• Private vehicles ferrying schoolchildren
• Certain VIPs
• No exemption for vehicles of Delhi ministers

PENALTY TO BE CHARGED

• Rs 4,000 Delhi Govt will charge as fine for the violation of the odd-even rule. Earlier, the penalty was Rs 2,000

COPING WITH RUSH

• 2,000 additional buses will be put on roads by the Kejriwal government
• All cluster buses will also be pressed into service
• Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will conduct 61 additional trips
• No surge pricing in Ola & Uber cabs