Arvind Kejriwal government may bring back Odd-Even scheme

New Delhi, Dec 25 With the air pollution in Delhi ascending to alarming levels, the Arvind Kejriwal government may bring back its lead Odd-Even car rationing scheme to curb pollution in the national capital.

''We're taking a number of steps like tree plantation drives and buying 3000 buses and so on. We sanctioned one of largest metro stages yesterday. If the need arises, we'll execute the Odd-Even scheme. Each individual has to play a role in reducing pollution,'' the Chief Minister said.

With Delhi's air quality staying in the 'severe' category for the last three days, Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari demanded Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to call an all-party conference to find a solution to the recurring crisis.

He wondered why was the Chief Minister not calling a special session of the Assembly when he regularly does as such for any "private or outside" issue not identified with Delhi.

The statement from Chief Minister went ahead multi day when Delhi's air quality stayed in the 'severe' category for the consecutive day on Tuesday as meteorological conditions kept on being ominous for scattering of pollutants.

As per specialists, the air contamination in Delhi has returned to Diwali levels.

While the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed the general air quality list (AQI) at 'serious' dimension of 416, the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) recorded an AQI of 423.

Twenty-five regions recorded severe pollution levels, while nine recorded very poor air quality, the CPCB data showed.

In the NCR, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida recorded serious contamination while Gurgaon recorded 'very poor' quality air.

The overall PM2.5 level (fine particulate issue noticeable all around with a width of under 2.5 micrometer) was recorded at 271 and the PM10 level at 422 here, the CPCB said.

Delhi's air quality had turned 'severe' on Saturday.

The national capital recorded its second-highest pollution level of the year on Sunday with an AQI of 450.

As indicated by the SAFAR, the overall air quality in Delhi is relied upon to stay in the 'extreme' extend till Tuesday.

"Recovery got delayed mainly due to the lowing of wind speed, prompting perseverance of fog which quickly multiplied finer particles, leading to rapid increase in PM2.5 and even PM1 (fine particulate issue noticeable all around with a measurement of under 1 micrometer)," it said.

"Improvement is normal from late Tuesday evening just when radiation mist get dispersed with sufficient sunshine," it added.

As per the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), air quality is probably going to enhance Tuesday however will stay in the upper end of the 'very poor' or in the 'severe' category.

"The wind speed and ventilation index are highly unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants," it said.

Ventilation list is the speed at which poisons can get scattered. A ventilation record lower than 6,000 sqm/second, with average wind speed less than 10 kmph, is unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants.

The file on Tuesday was 5,000 sqm/second on Tuesday, the IITM said.

In view of the prevalence of severe pollution in the national capital, industrial activities in pollution hotspots of Wazirpur, Mundka, Narela, Bawana, Sahibabad and Faridabad, and construction work over the Delhi-NCR will remain close till Wednesday, EPCA Chairperson Bhure Lal said.

The Environment Pollution Control and Prevention Authority (EPCA) has directed traffic police to deploy special groups and guarantee congestion free vehicular movement, particularly in identified high traffic corridors.

The agencies concerned have also been asked to guarantee strict action against illegal industries and make all efforts to control polluting activities, particularly waste burning.

The agency has advised people to avoid all outdoor activities, such as taking walks. "If the room has windows, close them, If the air conditioner provides a natural air consumption alternative, pick it, avoid burning anything such as wood, candle or even an incense," it said.

The advisory also recommended frequent wet mopping and use of masks known as N-95 or P-100 respirators only for outdoor activities.

"Try not to depend on residue veils for security," the warning included.