Partial vehicle ban begins on Monday in Delhi

New Delhi: Come Monday, the third “Odd-Even” car rationing scheme will kick off in Delhi, as India’s capital is not only gasping for a dash of fresh air, but longing for the sight of a clear blue sky.

With celebrations of the Chhath festival witnessing some use of firecrackers, this has only aggravated Delhi NCR’s hazardous air quality that turned so bad on Sunday that flights had to be diverted.

What is the Odd-Even scheme?

It’s a car rationing system, in which vehicles bearing registration plates ending with even numbers like 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 will be allowed to run on even dates, while those with number plates ending with odd numbers like 1,3,5,7 and 9 will be allowed to run on odd dates.

This is a way to curb the number of cars plying on streets and hence bring down the air pollution emanating from vehicles to a certain extent.

Many experts have contested the logic, saying vehicular pollution is not as big a concern for Delhi NCR as other forms of pollution like construction activity. However, given the apocalyptic situation Delhi is facing right now, any move to curb any level of pollution will be an advantage for its citizenry.

Dates and time:

The Odd-Even scheme will kick off on Monday, November 4, and will remain in force until November 15. The rule will be applicable in Delhi from 8am to 8pm However, the rule will not be enforced on Sundays.

Controversy before start:

In a move that defies logic and has drawn criticism as it defies the purpose of the scheme, the Kejriwal government has exempted two-wheelers from the Odd-Even scheme.

A large number of two wheelers, which run on fossil fuel, won’t come under its strict purview, whereas even personal CNG cars, which are much cleaner will be subjected to rules this time. Political opponents of the AAP see it as an appeasement policy by the Kejriwal government whose core voter base ranges from lower middle class to poor.

Who will be exempted?

* The Kejriwal government, as in the past, has exempted women from this rule, given the crime situation in the capital. “Women driving alone, cars having all women as occupants and women accompanied by children aged less than 12 years” will also be exempted, the chief minister has said.

* Vehicles used for medical emergencies during this 12-day period have also been exempted by the Delhi government.

* Private vehicles carrying schoolchildren are also allowed.

* Certain VIPs too will be exempted. The vehicles of the president, vice-president, prime minister, state governors, chief justice of India, speakers of the Lok Sabha, union ministers, and leaders of the Opposition of both the Houses, Supreme Court judges, chairman of UPSC, chief election commissioners and CAG, deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha and deputy speaker of Lok Sabha and Lieutenant-general of Delhi and judges of High Court and members of the Lokayukta, vehicles for emergency enforcement and defence purposes will be exempted.

Not exempted:

* Vehicles of Delhi government ministers and even the chief minister Arvind Kejriwal will not be exempted from this rule.

* Unlike previous years, a move that has brought criticism, privately owned CNG vehicles will not be exempted from this time.

Penalty for violating vehicle rule

Delhi government will charge a hefty fine of Rs4,000 (Dh200 for the violation of the Odd-Even rule from November 4. Earlier, the penalty was Rs2,000. The hike in penalty for the violation of Odd-Even scheme has been suggested by the Transport department as per the amended Motor Vehicles Act.

How is government bracing for Monday?

* As many as 2,000 additional buses will be put on roads by the Kejriwal government, from November 4 to November 15. Additionally, all cluster buses will also be pressed into service. Entire fleet of DTC buses too will be deployed.

* Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will conduct 61 additional trips during the 12-day Odd-Even scheme.

No surge pricing in Ola and Uber vehicles:

In a reprieve, cab aggregators Uber and Ola have been asked to deactivate surge pricing during this period to minimise the inconvenience of Delhites.

The overall Air Quality Index of Delhi remained 625 on Sunday, decreasing visibility into near zero and creating a public scare. However imperfect, Monday’s Odd-even will be nothing less than a blessing for a city that has choked for days.