By Angella Semu
DELHI-(MaraviPost)-In an attempt to tackle the problem of air pollution, Indian government has temporarily introduced an Odds and Evens number scheme on Monday in Delhi after an air emergency was declared in the Indian capital.
This has been introduced following Sunday Air Quality Index (AQI) score that reached highest so far this year, at over 900 points – a score of 500 qualifies as a “severe-plus” category.
The scheme has been implemented for private vehicles for the next two weeks, with only cars with either odd or even number plates allowed on the roads each day.
The country’s highest court has however criticised officials, claiming not enough is being done. As quoted by Sky news the Supreme Court said:
“Delhi is choking every year and we are not able to do anything.
“Every year this is happening and this continues for 10-15 days, this is not done in civilised countries. Right to life is most important”.
Schools and colleges have been shut until Tuesday, while staggered working times have been introduced for government offices to reduce the movement of cars.
Two-wheelers and electric vehicles have been exempt – as are cars driven only by women or those occupied by people with disabilities. Anyone violating the scheme faces a fine, equivalent to around £44.
One of the drivers, Sagar Bajaj, 29, has expressed his unsatisfuction in the claiming it was a “huge inconvenience.”
In an Interview with Sky news, he explained how he is no longer able to make it on time for a meeting as after his car’s licence plate ends in an odd number which have been banished from the roads
The pollution in Delhi is expected to dissipate as rainfall and strong winds are forecast for later this week, bringing a much needed respite to a gasping city.
