New Delhi to limit vehicle usage to combat air pollution
Delhi City in India is set to impose vehicle restrictions next week in an effort to combat the escalating pollution, as the city's air quality remains dangerously hazardous for the third consecutive day, despite ongoing mitigation measures.
Each year, as winter approaches, New Delhi consistently ranks among the world's most polluted cities, according to a report from Reuters. During this time, calm winds and low temperatures trap pollutants originating from various sources, including vehicles, industries, construction dust, and the burning of crop residues in nearby fields.
On Monday, a thick smog enveloped the federal secretariat and the presidential palace in the city center, causing reduced visibility in other areas. Public concern over the perilous air quality has grown, prompting the city to extend the closure of primary schools until November 10.
To address the expected rise in pollution levels following the Hindu festival of Diwali on November 12, the local government has announced the implementation of the "odd-even" vehicle rule from November 13 to 20. This rule allows vehicles with odd-numbered registrations to operate on odd dates and vehicles with even-numbered registrations on alternate days.
Environmental experts have previously noted that while the odd-even rule, with some variations, has been in place since 2016, it has proven more effective in reducing traffic congestion than in significantly reducing pollution levels.
Gopal Rai, the local environment minister, stated that due to the increasing pollution, the odd-even rule will be imposed in Delhi. A meeting with the police and the transport department will be convened on Tuesday to determine the rule's implementation.
As of Monday, air quality in the city was categorized as "severe" for the third consecutive day, making it the second most polluted city globally, trailing only Lahore in Pakistan, according to real-time data compiled by the Swiss group IQAir.
Despite the challenging air quality, a cricket World Cup match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh proceeded in the city on Monday. Organizers took measures to reduce pollutants, such as installing air purifiers in the players' dressing rooms and utilizing water sprinklers to mitigate air pollution.
In addition to vehicle restrictions, the city is subject to a ban on construction activities for public projects in the national capital region and limitations on the entry of trucks and heavy vehicles in Delhi. These measures were imposed by a federal pollution control agency on Sunday.
A study published by Down To Earth magazine on Sunday analyzed 25 research studies and revealed that poor air quality is linked to adverse health effects, including low birth weight, preterm delivery, stillbirth, developmental delays, restricted growth in children, and mortality.
