Odd-Even scheme ends today, decision on extension on Monday

A decision on extending the odd-even scheme will be taken on Monday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said. The odd-even scheme began in Delhi on 4th November. Today is the last day of the road rationing scheme. It will be effective till 8pm in the national capital. News reports quoted Arvind Kejriwal as saying the air quality is expected to improve in the coming days, as per the forecast. "We don't want to impose the odd-even unnecessarily. We will see the air quality. If it improves, we will not impose the scheme. Otherwise we will take the decision on extending the odd-even scheme on Monday morning."

In an attempt to reduce traffic congestion and tackle pollution, Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government began the odd-even scheme in the national capital on November 4.

Under the road rationing system, the vehicles with registration number ending with even digits—0, 2, 4, 6 and 8—are allowed to run on even dates, and those ending with odd numbers 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 will ply on odd dates.

This was the third edition of the odd-even restrictions. The first two versions of the initiative were introduced in 2016.

Kejriwal has repeatedly blamed both Haryana and Punjab governments for the noxious smog that has enveloped Delhi and its adjoining regions as a result of the burning of crop residue in the two states.

Delhi-NCR continue to battle air pollution

The air pollution levels in Delhi and its adjoining areas remained in the 'severe' category for the third consecutive day despite the implementation of the Odd-Even scheme. Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurugram, and Noida were engulfed by a thick blanket of smog in the morning today, which reduced visibility on the roads and caused problems to commuters.

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital on Friday was recorded at 482 which falls under the 'Severe' category with PM10 being 504 and PM2.5 - 332, according to Center-run SAFAR.

—With Agency inputs