Odd-Even Rule Put on Hold but Not Out: AQI Levels Rise Once Again in Delhi

Published On: 29 November 2023
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Under the Odd-Even rule, vehicles with even and odd numbers are allowed to ply on the road on alternate days.

The Delhi government earlier decided to implement the odd-even rule in Delhi from November 13 to 20. But last week, the government decided to postpone the implementation of this scheme due to a slight improvement in air quality. Also, the Supreme Court observed that the execution of such a scheme was mere optics. After the festival of Diwali, the Air Quality Index (AQI) continues to be severe, and the Delhi Environment Minister hinted on Tuesday that the rule might still be implemented in Delhi.

A few days before the festival of Diwali, the air quality improved due to scant rainfall in the Delhi-NCR region, but the AQI has worsened again after Diwali. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is severe not just in Delhi but in Faridabad, Noida, and Gurugram as well.

The Environment Minister of Delhi, Mr. Gopal Rai, has said that the government is still considering implementing the odd-even rule and the anti-dust campaign will continue for fifteen more days. "Today, DPCC has been directed to hold a meeting with construction agencies to ensure dust control measures. Many people have questions in their minds regarding odd-even. It was decided in the meeting today that if Delhi's air reaches the Severe Plus category (450), then the government will review and take a decision by implementing odd-even."

Whenever pollution increases in Delhi, the blame is often pinned on vehicular emissions. Under the GRAP guidelines, the Delhi government has already banned BS-III and BS-IV diesel vehicles. To reduce the spiked pollution levels, the government has also decided to ban app-based taxis, such as Uber and Ola. The government has put a hold on the odd-even rule for now. The Odd-Even rule restricts private vehicles from plying on public roads. Under this rule, vehicles with even and odd numbers are allowed to ply on the road on alternate days. As per a few critics, this rule only decreases congestion on roads, and hence it has a negligible impact on pollution levels.