Odd-Even Returns: These Cars To Be Exempted From Arvind Kejriwal's Pollution Curbing Traffic Rule

As in the previous years, the city government led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is expected to exempt hybrid cars from the odd-even scheme which would come in force in mid-November.

Kejriwal announced that the scheme would be applicable in Delhi between November 4 to November 15. (File Photo/ Getty)

New Delhi: As the Aadmi Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal on Friday announced the comeback of 'odd-even' rule for traffic post Diwali in the national capital, debates over the necessity of the same have started across the political isles and even on social media. However, in what might come as a big relief for many, the Delhi government is likely to exempt hybrid variant of cars such as Suzuki Ciaz, Honda Accord or Toyota Camry etc from the pollution curbing traffic rule. As in the previous years, the city government led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is expected to exempt hybrid cars from the odd-even scheme which would come in force in mid-November. "As in the past, CNG vehicles, electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles among certain other category of vehicles would be exempted from the scheme," said a Delhi government official while speaking to news agency IANS. Under the odd-even rule, vehicles with odd and even number license plates are allowed to ply on alternate days. Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal announced that the scheme would be applicable in Delhi between November 4 to November 15. This will be the third time that the anti-pollution rule will be rolled out in the national capital. Kejriwal also announced a seven-point action plan in November to contain air pollution in the city. As part of the plan, every ward in Delhi will have two environment marshals, and the local government will also distribute N-95 masks to people in November. Various studies have found Delhi among the most polluted cities in the world causing a number of breathing problems among the residents. As winter sets in, the pollution level soars, creating an alarming situation. As vehicles contribute significantly to the overall pollution, the Delhi government earlier launched the odd-even scheme to reduce vehicular traffic on its roads. However, looks like the decision taken by Kejriwal government has not gone well within the Central government. Soon after the Delhi CM held a press conference to announce the return of 'odd-even' rule, Union Transport minister Nitin Gadkari said that it's not needed in the national capital. "No, I don't think it is needed. The Ring Road we have built has significantly reduced pollution in the city and our planned schemes will free Delhi of pollution in the next two years," Gadkari said. However, later in the day, the senior BJP leader changed his stance and said that Delhi government has right to take decisions and we do not have any objections in it. "Delhi government has the right to take decisions and we do not have any objection. I have faith pollution level in Delhi will decrease in the coming time. Both Delhi government and Centre are working towards it. We do not oppose if Delhi government wants to take some steps in that direction," he said while speaking to news agency ANI. Kejriwal, last year in December, had said that his government will again implement the odd-even scheme, in order to regulate plying of private vehicles in the city, whenever it is required. For the first time in Delhi, the odd even scheme was introduced in January 2016 and then again in April 2016. In January 2016, the odd-even scheme was implemented from January 1 to 15 and a penalty of Rs 2,000 was imposed for the violation of the scheme.