City Braces For Winter Mayhem Will AAP Plan Help Delhi Breathe Easy?

Green court and watchdogs say Odd-Even might not help much as burning of paddy stubble remains a major threat

- Gulam Jeelani

THE Odd-Even car rationing scheme will make a comeback on Delhi roads from November 4 to November 15, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday as he announced a slew of measures planned by his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to combat air pollution caused due to stubble burning in winter.

The temporary traffic rule, which was first implemented in January 2016, allows private cars with licence plates ending in an odd number and even number to ply on alternate days.

The announcement comes a day after the CM met environment experts to formulate a winter air pollution action plan to prevent the Capital from turning into what he often refers as a “gas chamber”. Delhi is poll-bound as Kejriwal’s government completes its five-year term in February next year.

Apart from Odd-Even, the CM’s seven-point action plan includes measures like distribution of masks, a community Diwali, mechanised sweeping of roads, tree plantation, and special plans for 12 pollution hotspots in the city. “Other than OddEven and community Diwali celebration, all other measures will continue throughout the winter season,” he said.

In its introductory phase, the AAP government implemented the scheme for 15 days from January 1 to January 15 in 2016. The second phase was implemented from April 15 to April 30 in the same year from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays. In both the phases, two-wheelers, women-only vehicles, CNG, hybrid and electric vehicles, emergency vehicles and VIPs, politicians, Supreme Court judges and defence personnel'’ vehicles were exempted. However, in the third phase which is nearly two months away, government is yet to come up with any exemption plans.