The odd-even car rationing scheme will be enforced in Delhi for five days from November 13, Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said on November 9. The decision comes amid a spike in the air pollution levels.
Under the policy, private vehicles are allowed to run based on the last number of their licence plates. Odd-numbered cars are allowed to run on odd dates and even-numbered cars on even dates.
In 2016, the scheme was enforced twice — between January 1 and 15 and April 15 and 30.
In the last 48 hours, PM2.5 and PM10 levels were very high, said Mr. Gahlot, justifying the introduction of the odd-even scheme.
Blames it on crop burning
The real reason for the increase in pollution was not the condition in Delhi but crop burning in the adjoining States, he said.
Like last year, cars driven by women, CNG-run cars and two-wheelers will be exempt from the scheme.
The Delhi Transport Corporation was hiring 500 more buses through private contractors and the Delhi Metro would add 100 small buses for last mile connectivity, Mr. Gahlot said. Around 5,000 civil defence volunteers would be deployed to manage the vehicles, he added.
(With inputs from PTI)