Private CNG vehicles not exempt in Nov Odd-Even stint, no curbs on women drivers, announces Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

In 2017, a joint study conducted by atmospheric scientists of IITs and IIM had revealed that in the first phase of odd-even scheme the levels of pollution declined only by 2%-3%. The Odd-Even vehicle rationing plan to tackle pollution during winter was announced by the chief minister on September 13.

Private CNG vehicles will come under the ambit of the Odd-Even vehicle rationing scheme while women drivers will be exempt , Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Saturday while rolling out the list of exemptions for the scheme that will be in place from November 4 to 15 in the national capital.

FOR PAGE ONE - New Delhi, India - Jan. 18, 2016: Traffic scenario at Rao Tula Ram Marg near Subroto Park after the completion of Odd Even vehicular trial, in New Delhi, India, on Friday, Monday 18, 2016. (Photo by S.Burmaula / Hindustan Times)

The Odd-Even plan to tackle pollution during winter was announced by the chief minister on September 13.

Pollution monitoring agencies have predicted that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital is expected to plunge to ‘very poor’ levels by Sunday.

In its recommendation the transport department on Friday suggested inclusion of two-wheelers in the odd-even drive only during off-peak hours, which implies that the registered 7.3 million two-wheelers in Delhi and even those crossing or entering the city will be able to ply only from 8am to 11 am and from 5 pm to 8 pm.

“The move is part of a seven-point action plan aimed at combating high levels of air pollution in winters starting at a point when crop burning starts in neighbouring states,” Kejriwal had said.

In 2017, a joint study conducted by atmospheric scientists of IITs and IIM had revealed that in the first phase of odd-even scheme the levels of pollution declined only by 2%-3%. Only three areas in Delhi—Najafgarh, Shalimar Bagh and Greater Kailash—witnessed 8%-10% drop in pollution due to the odd-even scheme, the study showed.