Odd-even scheme starts in Delhi

The air quality index (AQI) of New Delhi has touched a very dangerous level of 625 which falls under the severe plus category. An AQI between 0-50 is considered ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301-400 ‘very poor’ and 401-500 ‘severe’; above 500 falls in the ‘severe-plus emergency’ category. Due to this, starting from 8am of November 04, the government has launched the odd-even scheme for vehicular operations in Delhi and national capital region. This odd-even scheme is a traffic rationing system, under which only vehicles with either even or odd registration numbers will be allowed on roads on a particular day. However, few categories of vehicles like that of President, Prime Minister, emergency and enforcement vehicles, cars carrying school children in uniform have been exempted from this odd-even scheme. India’s capital is currently surrounded by heavy, toxic smog and one of the worst levels of pollution in recent years. The extreme pollution levels in the area has forced the local administrations in surrounding cities of Ghaziabad, Noida, Gurgaon and Faridabad to close all government and private schools till November 5 in order to keep the children safe. Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal twitted, "Do follow odd-even for the sake of your health, your children's health and your family's breath. Share car, this will help increase friendship, build relationships, save petrol and reduce pollution". The Odd-Even rule is scheduled to continue till November 15.