Delhi’s toxic smog crisis has prompted the authorities to implement an odd-even rule in the city from November 13 to November 20. With many areas in the capital recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 999, the odd-even rule aims to reduce vehicular traffic by half and subsequently decrease air pollution.
Under this rule, vehicles with registration numbers ending in an odd digit will be allowed on Delhi roads on odd-numbered days, while those with even digits will be allowed on even-numbered days. However, the announcement of this measure has been met with mixed reactions from Delhiites who are seeking a more sustainable solution to the ongoing issue of air pollution.
One user sarcastically questioned whether the government expected a forest to magically grow within seven days through the implementation of the odd-even rule. Another user criticized the government for focusing on disrupting transportation through this measure while failing to address the issue of crop stubble burning. A third user compared the odd-even rule to applying a band-aid when surgery is needed, highlighting the lack of long-term solutions to various sources of pollution.
Despite the criticism, the Delhi government has not introduced the odd-even formula this year to combat the polluted air. Some users suggested alternative options such as carpooling to reduce vehicular pollution.
The odd-even rule is set to be reviewed after November 20 to determine if it needs to be extended. Currently, the overall AQI in Delhi stands at 488, well above the upper level established by the World Health Organization. Areas like RK Puram, ITO, Patparganj, and New Moti Bagh are among the worst affected.
With the AQI reaching alarming levels, the air quality in Delhi and neighboring cities is equivalent to smoking 25-30 cigarettes a day.
