A public health emergency has been declared in Delhi NCR as the air quality index breached the 999 mark and pollution reached hazardous levels. Apart from issuing a list of do’s and don’ts to the public, the government has also implemented the #OddEvenScheme beginning today to combat this problem.
Essentially, from 8 am to 8 pm on even dates, only private cars with an even last digit in their license plates will be allowed on the road. The same is applicable for odd numbers on odd dates explains The Indian Express. Furthermore, violators will be penalized Rs.4000 according to Business Today.
The rule which has exemptions for electric vehicles, two-wheelers, women drivers traveling alone or with a child, people with disabilities and vehicles with students in uniform, has generated mixed responses from commuters. Some are welcoming the move with #LetsUniteAgainstPollution while others are making good-natured jokes.
Bollwood Movies New Versions Launched after #DelhiPollution & #OddEven #DelhiAirEmergency pic.twitter.com/QSAahmk6J1
— Rosy (@rose_k01) November 4, 2019
Kaash #oddevenscheme office par laagu hoti… Aur konsi jagha applicable hona chahiye??? #MondayBlues #OddEvenDobara #OddEven #DelhiSmog #LucknowSmog
— RJ Saransh (@rjsaranshredfm) November 4, 2019
Today only evens will be out on the road.
What are the odds?— Sachit Bhatia (@sachitbhatia1) November 4, 2019
Even Day- ग़लती मेरी थी….
Odd Day- ग़लती मेरी थी….#Husband #OddEven
— TheCancerian (@AmTrehan) November 4, 2019
Sansani : Jinhone numerology ke chakkar mein apni dono cars 9 number ki li thi woh apne astrologers ka gala dabaate huye paye gaye!#OddEvenDobara
— Sonal Kalra (@sonalkalra) November 4, 2019
However, some Delhiites feel that the scheme is ‘too little, too late’ and will have a low impact on curbing air pollution in the city.
https://twitter.com/gajender00/status/1191257533031145472
So #OddEven is giving exemption to Pvt vehicles with school children in uniform. What about when Parents return after dropping kids off ??🤔🤔 #OddEvenDobara
— Rosy (@rose_k01) November 3, 2019
#OddEven is like trying to save a person from a Heart attack by Homeopathy.
— Gabbbar (@GabbbarSingh) November 4, 2019
#OddEven #oddevendobara
It's like the humble squirrel helping Lord Sri Rama build the bridge to Lanka.— Anshu Satapathy (@AnshuSatapathy) November 4, 2019
Some people also poked fun at the various ‘jugaads’ commuters can use to avoid following the #OddEven scheme.
Time to get that tried and tested solution out again for #OddEven #OddEvenDobara pic.twitter.com/osibkG2fgh
— GD (@thegagandeep) November 4, 2019
Traffic Cop: Please pay a fine of Rs 500. You are driving odd-numbered car on even day.
Car driver: Yeh le Rs 1000, ab bata tujhe number kaise dikh raha hai? #OddEven #OddEvenDobara
— IMRAN KHAN (@imranmkkhan) November 4, 2019
For Delhiites who have a forgetful memory and can’t remember #OddEven pic.twitter.com/DB3VV7qzks
— Rajiv Gupta (@irajivg) November 4, 2019
Here Delhi, in case you forgot…#OddEven https://t.co/e6pmPRVAZl
— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) November 4, 2019
The rule is applicable until 15 November (barring Sundays) so let’s hope that it brings Delhiites a much-needed respite from the air pollution that is akin to smoking around 40-50 cigarettes a day.