Delhi to fight air pollution with Odd-Even rule from Nov 13-17
With air quality index in Delhi and surrounding regions rising, authorities on Thursday implemented the odd-even rule again to curb vehicular pollution along with increasing the parking fee. The civil work has also been stopped in Delhi. Since Tuesday, the national capital region has witnessed a drastic increase in smog – a mixture of air pollution, fog and smoke – that forced the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to declare a medical emergency. The move was implemented earlier to curb vehicular pollution; however, this time the emergency situation is expected to further deteriorate in comparison to last year. It must be noted that the government authorities have taken cognisance of the escalating emergency, banned entry of heavy vehicles – except those carrying essentials - and stopped all civil construction work in Delhi. It has come to light that the two aforementioned measures were implemented after a suggestion from EPCA member Sunita Narain. In the wake of the situation, several schools in the affected regions have been given a break till Sunday. The IMA has advised people to not step out of their houses unless there is any compulsion. It has also advised citizens to wear masks if they are stepping out of their houses. -PTC News
