Odd-even to be implemented from 8am to 8pm from Nov 13-17: Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot

On Thursday, National Green Tribunal (NGT) has pulled up Delhi Government, Municipal Corporations and neighbouring states and asked them to see the "pitiable condition of people in hospitals" and the way their lives are being played with.

AFP PHOTO / FILE

New Delhi: The Odd-Even formula will be pressed to service again in Delhi from 13th to 17th November to curb the killer smog that has engulfed the national capital. The announcement was made by state transport minister Kailash Gahlot on Thursday afternoon. However, two-wheelers and CNG vehicles will be exempted under this scheme. According to the scheme, odd-numbered cars will ply on odd-numbered days and even-numbered cars to ply on even-numbered days between 8am and 8pm for the specified five days. Indraprastha Gas Limited stations across the city will issue CNG stickers to those owning CNG vehicles. In 2016, the scheme was enforced twice -- January 1-15 and April 15-30. On Thursday, National Green Tribunal (NGT) has pulled up Delhi Government, Municipal Corporations and neighbouring states and asked them to see the "pitiable condition of people in hospitals" and the way their lives are being played with. NGT was responding to hazardous smog condition prevailing in the national capital region (NCR). NGT observed, "It is shameful for all the parties in this matter on what they're passing on to the next generation". "Even construction work taking place openly isn't being stopped, and when such a situation has ensued now action is being promised".NGT further slammed neighboring states of Delhi & raised question on their seriousness on the grievous situation," Tribunal added. "All the constitutional authorities and statutory bodies measurably failed to perform their duties. So far pollution is the concern, it is a joint responsibility of all the stakeholders" said NGT. The problem of air pollution gets worst during the winter in the national capital. About Odd-Even scheme: In December 2015, in an attempt to mitigate severe air pollution in New Delhi, a temporary alternate-day travel scheme for cars using the odd- and even-numbered license plates system was announced by Delhi government. Under it, one day, car with even numbers ( for ex: 2, 4, 6, 8) in the last of their number plates are allowed to ply on roads and on next day those having odd numbers (3, 5, 7, 9) are permitted to ply. (With ANI inputs)