Odd-even makes comeback on Monday

New Delhi: The third edition of odd-even car rationing scheme in the city, between November 13 and 17, will retain last year’s exemption for women drivers, CNG vehicles and two-wheelers even as the Delhi government sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s help to call a meeting of chief ministers of neighbouring states to find a solution to the crop burning crisis.

On a day when city schools remains shut due to bad air and fire tenders sprinkled water on trees to check dust on leaves, Delhi transport minister Kailash Gahlot said the car rationing scheme will be rolled out in Delhi for five days from November 13 as part of a graded response plan to tackle the alarming pollution situation in the city,

The car rationing curbs will be in place from 8 am to 8 pm and there will exemptions for women drivers and two-wheelers and violators will face a fine of Rs 2,000, Mr Gahlot said. “The exemptions will be similar as last year and there is no need for people to panic,” he told reporters.

Meanwhile, the 52 Delhi Fire Services tenders sprinkled water on trees as part of measures to control pollution from noon to 4 pm. The exercise would also continue on Friday, an official said.

Earlier, Mr Gahlot urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to call a meeting of chief ministers of Delhi and adjoining states to find a solution to the crop burning crisis. The Delhi government has directed DTC to hire 500 buses from private contractors to tackle the rush of commuters during the odd-even implementation week.

“Delhi Metro has also promised to provide 100 small buses for running on DTC routes during the period. Schools will be free to provide their buses voluntarily. However, there will be no compulsion,” Mr Gahlot said.

He said CNG vehicles will be exempt but will need to have stickers in place. These will be available at 22 IGL stations across Delhi from 2 pm on Friday. “The old stickers which were issued in the last edition of odd-evenwill be valid too,” the minister said.