Odd-even traffic rule back in Delhi starting Nov 13 to tackle worsening air pollution

DELHI's much talked-about 'odd-even rule' was set to be back after the festival of Diwali next week while schools will remain closed till Class XI in view of the worsening pollution levels in the Indian capital, the state's environment minister, Gopal Rai, said on Monday (6).

All schools in the city, except standards X and XII, will remain shut till November 10, the minister added. At the moment, classes up to Standard V are suspended in view of the poor air quality.

The 'odd-even rule', which has been a flagship move of Delhi's Arvind Kejriwal government in fighting the city's pollution for the past few years, will be into effect for a week starting November 13, a say after Diwali.

The rule calls for restriction of traffic as vehicles with registration numbers ending with an odd digit will be allowed on the city's roads on odd-number days while those with even last digits will be allowed on even-number days.

Rai said the situation will be reviewed on November 20 to decide on the extension of the rule.

Delhi's air quality plummets beyond human tolerance level every year at the onset of winter and it has been no exception this time. The city has remained wrapped in a thick blanket of toxic smog for almost a week now with the air quality posing serious health risks to the elderly and children.

The overall air quality index was recorded at 488 this morning, much above the safe level prescribed by the World Health Organisation.

The growing pollution level in various Indian cities apart from Delhi has also been discussed during the ongoing cricket World Cup in India. Delhi was hosting a match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka on Monday and both teams cancelled their respective practice sessions because of the pollution. In 2017, members of the Sri Lankan national team were seen wearing masks during a Test match against India due to the pollution in the air.

The Indian cricket board has banned use of fireworks after completion of matches in Delhi and Mumbai.