Odd-even rule won't come into effect for now: Delhi government
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Friday announced that its odd-even rule for vehicles will not come into effect after the national capital's air quality improved due to rain. "The situation would be analyzed again after Diwali," he added. On Monday, Rai announced that the vehicle rationing rule would be implemented in the city from November 13 to 20 amid the pollution crisis.
Why does this story matter?
This new development comes after several parts of Delhi reported a lower air quality index (AQI) on Friday morning amid sudden rain. However, the capital city's air quality remained in the "severe" category. Between November 1 and November 15, Delhi's air pollution peaks every winter as farmers in Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh increase stubble burning.
What is Delhi government's odd-even rule?
Under the odd-even automobile rationing system, only vehicles with registration numbers ending in odd digits (1, 3, 5, 9) are allowed to ply on roads on odd-numbered days. Those with even numerals (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) are authorized on even-numbered days. It is also known as the Arvind Kejriwal administration's flagship initiative to battle air pollution in Delhi.
Improvement seen in the pollution level: Delhi environment minister
Know what SC said on Delhi's odd-even scheme
Rai's comments came after the Delhi government submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court defending the odd-even scheme. It cited studies showing that the policy serves as an effective measure against air pollution. It stated that the scheme reduces vehicular pollution by 13%. The court, however, pointed out that the research stated that vehicular pollution is only an estimated 17% of the larger problem.
Will not interfere in 'artificial rain' matter: SC
The Delhi government also informed the SC that it was planning "artificial rain" in the national capital but needed a lot of "permissions from union ministries, which is a difficult issue." In response, the country's top court said it would not interfere in this and asked the Delhi government to approach the central government and seek permission.
Details on Delhi Government's recent meeting with IIT Kanpur team
On Tuesday, Rai and Delhi Education Minister Atishi held talks with a team from IIT Kanpur, who suggested that a spell of artificial rainfall could help the city's poor air quality. Earlier on Sunday, the Delhi government also adopted measures under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). It is enforced when the air quality touches the "severe plus" category.
