As pollution breaks records, odd-even scheme starts in Delhi today
What's the story
Delhi is dealing with a grave situation with residents looking towards governments, both Centre and State, to give them a reprieve from air pollution.
Meanwhile, at a time when thick smog continues to blanket Delhi, the odd-even car rationing scheme made a comeback on Monday, at 8 am.
The scheme, aimed at limiting domestic carbon emission, will end on November 15.
Here's more.
Pollution
So, how bad is Delhi's situation really? Very!
Delhi is (literally) choking and has turned into a gas-chamber of sorts, with people wearing masks becoming a common sight.
As per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the 24-hour average air quality index in the National Capital reached 494 at 4 pm on Sunday.
The last time the pollution level neared this mark was on November 6, 2016, when it stood at 497.
Twitter Post
Data confirms Delhi is dealing with apocalyptic situation
Delhi: Major pollutants PM 2.5 PM 10, both at 500, remain in 'severe' category in Lodhi Road area, according to Air Quality Index (AQI) data. pic.twitter.com/rqLyaPMZvK
— ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2019
Scheme?
What is the formula? How will it help Delhi?
As the name suggests, the odd-even scheme curbs the presence of cars on the streets. Cars ending with 1,3,5,7,9 will be allowed on roads on odd dates, and those ending with 0,2,4,6,8 on even ones.
This is the third time the formula is being implemented.
In 2016, it was implemented between January 1 and 15, and again from April 15 to 30.
Exemption
This scheme gives free hand to two-wheelers and women
The scheme will not be implemented on Sundays and will end at 8 pm every day.
About exemptions, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had said earlier, "Women driving alone, cars having all women as occupants and women accompanied by children aged less than 12 years will be exempted."
Two-wheelers, vehicles used for medical emergencies and private ones carrying kids have also been exempted.
Do you know?
Are VIPs exempted? Yes, some of them
Vehicles of President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice, state governors, Lok Sabha speakers, Union Ministers, leaders of Opposition of both houses, Chief Election Commissioners, lieutenant-general of NCT/Delhi, HC and SC judges, and Lokayukta members have been exempted. However, Kejriwal's vehicle has not been exempted.
Fine
How much will offenders of odd-even scheme be fined?
The third round of the odd-even scheme will burn a hole in pockets of offenders. Unlike earlier, when the penalty was Rs. 2,000, this time violators will be fined Rs. 4,000.
As per reports, Delhi Traffic Police has deployed 200 teams to ensure the scheme is implemented smoothly.
Separately, nearly 5,000 volunteers have been trained to educate masses about the formula.
Twitter Post
After scheme's implementation, driver fined near ITO
Delhi: Traffic Police fines a driver for using an odd numbered vehicle, near ITO. The driver of the vehicle says,"I live in Noida, I had come for some work last night, I was not aware of the fact that Odd-Even scheme is coming into effect from today." pic.twitter.com/Uxa9qmlp6v
— ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2019
Political color
Meanwhile, BJP leader dismissed scheme, said he'll "violate" it
While Kejriwal urged Delhiites to follow the scheme and think about their well-being, he was slammed by BJP leader Vijay Goel.
Dismissing the idea, Goel on Sunday said, "My violation of odd-even scheme of the Kejriwal government will be symbolic because it's an election stunt and drama in view of the assembly election."
In April 2016, he was fined Rs. 2,000 for violating the scheme.