In pics: Delhi tries to even air pollution odds with car rationing

As the clock struck 8 on Friday morning, the odd-even vehicular restriction policy of the Delhi government came into effect, with thousands of volunteers taking to the streets to assist traffic police in enforcing the pilot plan that will stay in force in the national capital till January 15.

As the clock struck 8 on Friday morning, the odd-even vehicular restriction policy of the Delhi government came into effect, with thousands of volunteers taking to the streets to assist traffic police in enforcing the pilot plan that will stay in force in the national capital till January 15.

As per the scheme, cars bearing odd-numbered registration plates will ply on city roads odd dates and vehicles with even number plates will ply on even dates. A violator attracts a penalty of Rs 2,000 under relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act.

Thousands of civil defence volunteers, traffic police personnel, enforcement teams of Delhi government’s transport department and authorised sub-divisional magistrates have been deployed to implement the scheme. (Burhaan Kinu/HT Photo)

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, who has repeatedly stressed the need for the scheme to be successful in view of the capital’s alarming pollution levels, had warned volunteers against “arguing or misbehaving” with people . (Raj K Raj/HT Photo)

As per the scheme, cars bearing odd-numbered registration plates will ply on city roads odd dates and vehicles with even number plates will ply on even dates. A violator attracts a penalty of Rs 2,000 under relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo)

Several civil defence volunteers were seen holding placards and giving roses to violators of the odd-even rule. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo)

A number of people opted for public transport in a bid to express support for the scheme. (Burhaan Kinu/HT Photo)

To cope with the extra pressure on the public transport network, the government has hired around 3,000 private buses. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo)

Commuters tweeted out photos of even-numbered cars seen on Delhi’s road after 8 am, when the odd-even rule kicked in. (Mallica Joshi/HT Photo)

Public transport is crucial to the success of the odd-even formula. (Arvind Yadav/HT Photo)

In the first hour of the odd-even rule, most roads witnessed scanty traffic and were free of congestion. (S Burmaula/HT Photo)

Delhi Police chief BS Bassi requested people to cooperate with the police for the next 15 days. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo)

Traffic cops helping the driver of a CNG car after the vehicle broke down. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo)