Odd-even might not be back soon as Delhi weather has improved: Minister

Delhi health minister Satyendra Jain said on Tuesday that the government might not bring back the odd-even traffic rationing scheme since the weather in the national capital has improved.

Delhi health minister Satyendra Jain said on Tuesday that the government might not bring back the odd-even traffic rationing scheme anytime soon since the weather in the national capital has improved.

Jain also said the government was working on a plan to install mist fountains and they would be in place within six weeks. (File photo)

Delhi reeled due to a thick cover of smog and haze for at least for seven days after Diwali, sparking concerns of health hazards among citizens. Faced with criticism, the city government announced a list of measures, including the closing down of schools and the reintroduction of the much-talked-about odd-even scheme.

Under the emergency measure first implemented in the city in January to limit the use of private cars, vehicles with odd-numbered plates could only be brought out on odd dates and those with an even number as the last digit on even days.

“As we said, we would wait till Friday before deciding on the reintroduction of odd-even scheme. It was decided if the (pollution) situation did not improve, it will be enforced immediately. At present, the weather looks fine, we may not implement it,” Jain said.

The minister said the government had already announced short-term measures to control pollution and soon it willd come up with long term plans.

Jain also said the government was working on a plan to install mist fountains, and they would be in place within six weeks.