Odd-Even scheme in Delhi begins as 'gas chamber' capital chokes people

New Delhi : As expected, the Odd-Even scheme has come to effect in the national capital from 8 AM on Monday as the residents in Delhi battle apocalyptic levels of air pollution.

Around 200 traffic police officials have been deployed on streets to ensure the compliance and around 5,000 civil defence volunteers have been trained to spread awareness.

Despite emergency control measures taken on Friday, the pollution level rose to its maximum on weekend, prompting Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to issue a fresh appeal asking residents to follow the rule.

"Namaste Delhi. Odd-even is starting today to reduce pollution. Do follow odd-even for yourself, your children's health and for the sake of your family's breath. Share cars. This will build friendship, strengthen relationships as well as save petrol and reduce pollution. Delhi will show it again," Mr Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi this morning.

Under the Odd-Even scheme, vehicles with their registrations ending with odd digits like 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 will not be allowed on the roads on November 4, 6, 8, 12 and 14. Similarly, vehicles with registration numbers ending with an even digit - 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 - will not be allowed on the roads on November 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15. The scheme will end on November 15 and is likely to be extended if pollution levels continue to remain in the severe category.

The travelers will be exempted from it on Sunday.

Two-wheelers and electric vehicles have been exempted from the restrictions, but not those running on Compressed Natural Gas or CNG. Vehicles being used for medical emergencies and those carrying school children in uniform will be exempted. Vehicles with VIPs, only women, children aged up to 12 years and vehicles occupied by physically-disabled persons will also be exempted.