With air pollution levels in the city soaring seven to eight times above safe levels, the Delhi government on Monday (November 6) announced the return of the odd-even car rationing system from November 13 to 20. The national capital registered a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) at 421 on Monday, marking the seventh consecutive day of hazardous air quality in Delhi-NCR.

"It is being anticipated that pollution may increase in Delhi after Diwali. Keeping this in mind, the Odd-Even formula will be implemented from November 13 to 20. A decision to extend the scheme will be made after November 20," Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said.

The decision was made during a high-level meeting led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, where he gathered with AAP MLAs to review the worsening air pollution situation in Delhi. An action plan to control air pollution during the winter months was also discussed.

Under the odd-even system, vehicles with license plates ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 will be permitted to operate on odd days, while those ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 will be allowed on even days. The detailed modalities of this system will be discussed in a meeting to be held by Rai on Tuesday with relevant departments, including Transport and Traffic Police.

Previously, emergency and police vehicles, two-wheelers, cars driven by women, and vehicles transporting school children and VIPs were exempt from the odd-even restrictions.

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To address the escalating air pollution crisis, the Delhi government has already ordered the closure of schools up to the 5th grade until November 10. Additionally, Rai confirmed that classes for students in the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 11th grades will also remain closed until the same date. However, board exams for the 10th and 12th grades will proceed as scheduled.

Rai pointed out that pollution levels in Delhi have been steadily increasing since October 30. According to scientists, and meteorological department's analysis, the primary reasons for this surge in pollution are the persistent drop in temperatures and very low wind speeds. The AQI in Delhi stood at 347 on October 30 and continued to rise, reaching 436 on Monday, with a peak of 468 observed during this period.

To combat the worsening air quality, strict restrictions mandated under the Central government's air pollution control plan for Delhi-NCR, known as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), have been enforced. These restrictions under GRAP stage IV include a ban on all forms of construction work and the entry of polluting trucks into the capital.

Minister Rai reiterated that the ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles continues, along with restrictions on the entry of commercial vehicles, except those operating on CNG, electric, and BS-VI diesel. Diesel-registered medium and heavy goods vehicles are also barred from entering Delhi, except those transporting essential goods and services. Furthermore, all construction and demolition activities, including public projects and public utility works, are prohibited within the city.

With Diwali, World Cup matches, and Chhath Puja approaching, the Environment Minister urged neighboring states, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, to implement a complete ban on fireworks and closely monitor the situation.

(Edited by : Anand Singha)