Odd even scheme will be extended, if necessary: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal
1 min read 13 Nov 2019, 02:24 PM ISTDelhi government had implemented the car rationing scheme – odd even from 4-15 NovemberIf necessary, we will extend odd-even. This will be monitored on a day-to-day basis, says Kejriwal
PremiumNew Delhi: As pollution levels in the national capital continue to remain ‘severe’, Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said that if necessary, the odd-even scheme may be extended. The scheme was set to end on Friday.
As a part of its winter action plan to tackle air pollution levels, Delhi government had implemented the car rationing scheme – odd even from 4-15 November. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) of the Union ministry of earth sciences, the PM 2.5 level as 2pm was 476.
“Delhi is the capital of the country. The image that is being sent across is not right. If necessary, we will extend odd-even. This will be monitored on a day-to-day basis," Kejriwal said while speaking to reporters in Delhi.
“We are all seeing that Delhi’s pollution was okay till there was no stubble burning in the neighbouring areas. There was a strict direction from the SC yet that is not being followed. The stubble that is left behind can be used to convert into CNG. This will help reduce pollution and increase farm income. These industries need to be promoted," he said.
He said there are other companies doing work where stubble can be used which can also help create employment opportunities.
PM 2.5, which is the concentration of particulate matter is a threat to the respiratory systems. Over the last three weeks, Delhi has seen a high rise in the air pollution levels caused due to increase in smoke from stubble burning in neighbouring states, vehicular and industrial pollution.
