Delhi’s Odd-Even Scheme 2023 is scheduled to make a return as the city grapples with a severe pollution crisis. This traffic rationing measure will be in effect from November 13 to November 20, aiming to address the alarming air pollution levels in the national capital.
Delhi’s Odd-Even Scheme 2023
The Delhi government, in response to the escalating pollution problem, has decided to reinstate the Odd-Even scheme. Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, made the official announcement, stating, “Given air pollution, the Odd-Even vehicle system will apply for one week from 13th to 20th November.”
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal chaired a high-level meeting with cabinet members and officials to explore solutions to mitigate the pollution levels. Following this meeting, the Delhi Environment Minister confirmed implementing the Odd-Even scheme after the Diwali festivities.
What is Delhi’s Odd-Even Scheme?
The Odd-Even scheme enforces traffic rationing, allowing private vehicles with registration numbers ending in an odd digit on irregular dates and those with an even digit on even dates.
Delhi Pollution Crisis Deepens
On Monday morning, pollution levels in Delhi-NCR recorded levels seven to eight times higher than the government-prescribed safe limit.The Central Pollution Control Board reported an Air Quality Index (AQI) 488 for Delhi that day.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi government has been taking stringent measures, such as banning the entry of polluting trucks, as the air quality deteriorates due to unfavorable wind conditions and a sharp increase in farm fires across northern India.
Unfavorable meteorological conditions, combined with vehicle emissions, paddy straw burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources, contribute to hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during the winter season each year.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has noted that the capital experiences peak pollution from November 1 to November 15, coinciding with a surge in stubble-burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana.
Delhi-NCR Enforces New Restrictions
The situation has prompted Delhi-NCR to impose fresh restrictions, and the air quality has reached the ‘severe’ category. As a result, the authorities have ordered 50% of the staff to work from home to reduce exposure to the toxic air.
Data from the IARI in New Delhi reported 4,160 farm fires in North India on a single Sunday, marking the highest count of the season. Punjab alone said 3,230 instances of stubble burning in one day, a season-high, according to the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre.
The poisonous haze has been especially problematic for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, according to medical professionals.
Conclusion:
The Delhi Odd-Even Scheme is coming back in 2023 to address the alarming air pollution levels in the city. As pollution levels in Delhi-NCR soar, the government has taken measures, including the ban on polluting trucks and the Odd-Even scheme, to combat the problem. Unfavorable meteorological conditions and increased farm fires have exacerbated the air quality crisis, prompting new restrictions in the region. The persistent toxic smog poses health risks, especially for those with respiratory issues.
FAQs:
What is the Delhi Odd-Even Scheme?
The Delhi Odd-Even Scheme is a traffic rationing measure in which private vehicles with registration numbers ending in an odd digit are allowed on the road on irregular dates and those with an even digit on even dates.
When is the Delhi Odd-Even Scheme 2023 in effect?
The scheme will be enforced from November 13 to November 20, 2023.
Why is pollution a severe problem in Delhi-NCR during the winter season?
Unfavorable meteorological conditions, vehicular emissions, paddy straw burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources exacerbate pollution in Delhi-NCR during the winter. Stubble-burning incidents in neighboring states also contribute to this issue.
What measures has the Delhi government taken to combat the pollution crisis?
The Delhi government has implemented measures such as the Odd-Even scheme and the ban on the entry of polluting trucks to address the rising pollution levels.
How is the pollution affecting people in Delhi-NCR?
The severe pollution has been causing health problems, particularly for individuals with pre-existing respiratory issues.
