New Delhi: Delhi has reintroduced its “Odd-Even” traffic management rule to combat air pollution. This scheme will be implemented from November 13 to 20, said Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai.
Under this rule, vehicles with license plate numbers that conclude with an even digit (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) are permitted to be in operation on days with even dates, whereas those concluding with odd digits (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) are eligible to be on the road during days with odd dates.
Rai on Monday said, “In view of air pollution, the Odd-Even vehicle system will be applicable for one week from 13th to 20th November”.
The goal is to reduce vehicular emissions and alleviate air quality issues during times of poor environmental conditions.
The scheme typically operates on weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm and exempts specific vehicle categories like electric vehicles, two-wheelers, and emergency vehicles. However the list of exemptions is yet to be released for this year.
Previously, two wheelers, solo women drivers (or with children up to 12 years of age, vehicles with person/s with physical disabilities ,were exempted from this scheme. Additionally, vehicles belonging to the President, vice president, Prime Minister, governors, CJI, Lok Sabha speakers, and other government dignitaries were also exempted from this rule.
On the other hand, private CNG vehicles, non-good vehicles belonging to other states, four-wheelers driven by men and vehicles of MLAs from other states were not exempted from the odd-even rule implemented previously.
This year, schools have been instructed to temporarily halt in-person classes, except for students in classes 10 and 12, until November 10. Additionally, a decision regarding a work-from-home directive for 50% of the workforce in both government and private offices in Delhi will be made at a later time, Rai mentioned.
