Delhi Implements Odd-Even Rule Amidst Severe Smog Crisis
The Indian capital, Delhi, has been shrouded in a thick and hazardous blanket of toxic smog for nearly a week, with many regions recording a shocking Air Quality Index (AQI) of 999. In response to the worsening air quality, the Delhi government has announced the implementation of the Odd-Even rule from November 13 to November 20. Under this scheme, vehicles with registration numbers ending in odd digits will be allowed on the roads on odd-numbered days, while those ending in even digits will be permitted on even-numbered days. The objective of this measure is to reduce vehicular traffic by 50% and mitigate air pollution. However, the decision has garnered mixed reactions, with some questioning its effectiveness in addressing the long-term issue of air pollution.
While some Delhiites expressed skepticism regarding the Odd-Even rule, calling it a short-term fix, the severity of the smog crisis continues to raise concerns. The air quality index remained alarmingly high, with an AQI of 488 recorded in the morning, far exceeding the limits set by the World Health Organization. Notable areas, including RK Puram, ITO, Patparganj, and New Moti Bagh, reported dangerously elevated AQI levels. With the AQI hovering around 500, experts have likened the air quality in Delhi and neighboring cities to smoking 25-30 cigarettes a day, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the pollution crisis.
The Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has announced that the need to extend the Odd-Even rule beyond November 20 will be reviewed later. Meanwhile, residents and environmentalists continue to press for more comprehensive, long-term solutions to combat the persistent problem of air pollution, including measures to address stubble burning, road dust, biomass burning, and industrial emissions.
As Delhi grapples with this severe smog crisis, the effectiveness of the Odd-Even rule and its impact on the city’s air quality remain subjects of debate, and the search for sustainable solutions to combat air pollution continues. The health and well-being of Delhi’s residents hang in the balance as authorities work to strike a balance between immediate action and long-term environmental planning.
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