As Delhi grapples with persistently hazardous air quality, State Environment Minister Gopal Rai has announced the reinstatement of the odd-even traffic rule, effective the day after Diwali. To address the escalating pollution crisis, schools across the national capital will also remain closed, with the exception of Classes 10 and 12, until November 10.
The odd-even rule, a flagship initiative of the Arvind Kejriwal government in its battle against pollution, will be enforced for a week starting November 13. Under this rule, vehicles with registration numbers ending in an odd digit will be permitted on Delhi’s roads on odd-numbered days, while those ending in an even digit will be allowed on even-numbered days. The decision on whether to extend the rule beyond November 20 will be reviewed at a later date.
The deteriorating air quality has led to stringent measures to combat the crisis, including the suspension of classes up to Class 5. The ban on entry for diesel trucks and the suspension of construction activities in the city, both under Stage-4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), aim to mitigate the harmful effects of the toxic smog enveloping Delhi.
Furthermore, the ban on BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles will continue, as confirmed by Minister Gopal Rai. Other measures undertaken by the government include the prohibition of firecrackers and the deployment of smog guns to mitigate pollution.
Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) remains alarmingly high, recording 488 this morning, well above the upper limit recommended by the World Health Organization. Several areas in the city, such as RK Puram (466), ITO (402), Patparganj (471), and New Moti Bagh (488), continue to be severely affected by the ongoing pollution crisis.
The persistent high AQI levels mean that the air people breathe in Delhi and neighboring areas is equivalent to smoking 25-30 cigarettes a day, underscoring the urgent need for measures to address the severe air quality issues plaguing the region.
Sources By Agencies
