Odd-even rule back in Delhi on Nov 13 as curbs scaled up
Hindustan TimesThe odd-even road rationing policy will be enforced in Delhi starting November 13, while all schools have been directed to suspend in-person lessons for students barring those in classes 10 and 12, state environment minister Gopal Rai announced on Monday, unveiling a raft of measures to help control the state’s unfettered pollution crisis, even as the air quality index read “severe” for a fifth straight day. Delhi’s pollution mess has been exacerbated by administrative inaction so far, with the AAP government directing blame at Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, but not at Punjab, a state which it rules. Meanwhile, the Delhi government’s Monday order on schools essentially extends to further classes a circular issued on Sunday saying schools will remain shut for primary students till November 10. The Central Pollution Control Board and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee had told the green tribunal that two-wheelers are more polluting than four-wheelers and their emissions comprise 20% of the total vehicular pollution — seeking their inclusion in this vehicle rationing scheme, but the Supreme Court had stayed this decision, making them exempt from coming under it.