Delhi will restrict the use of vehicles next week to combat escalating pollution, as the air quality in the Indian capital remained “severe” for the third consecutive day, Reuters reports.
The local government will impose the “odd-even” vehicle rule from November 13 to 20 to reduce pollution levels expected to rise after the Hindu festival of Diwali on November 12, despite a firecracker ban.
This rule allows vehicles with odd-numbered license plates to be on the road on odd dates, and vehicles with even-numbered plates on even dates. The rule has been enforced multiple times with variations since 2016, it has so far been more effective in reducing traffic congestion than pollution.
New Delhi consistently ranks among the world’s most polluted cities ahead of the winter season when calm winds and low temperatures trap pollutants from various sources.
