The odd-even rule, which was last implemented in Delhi in 2019 to deal with vehicle pollution, is going to be implemented again. At a press conference on Monday, Arvind Rai announced the decision to restore the rules after Diwali from November 13 to November 20. This rule, which allows vehicles with odd or even numbers to run on alternate days, aims to address this. Fear of increase in pollution after the festival. Rai said further decisions will be based on the existing pollution levels, with details of the scheme including relaxations to be shared by the state government in consultation with the transport department.

The opinion clarified the operation of the rule: On odd dates, only vehicles with odd number registration will be allowed, while on even dates, vehicles with even number registration are also given allowance. Notably, emergency vehicles, VVIP vehicles and electric vehicles are exempted from the scheme.

Earlier, Rai had urged Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav to ban the entry of non-BS6 compliant vehicles from neighboring states into Delhi.

The odd-even rule, first introduced in Delhi in 2016 and later revived in 2019, has faced debate over its effectiveness in curbing pollution. Critics argue that the main reason for poor air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas is stubble burning in states like Punjab and Haryana. While the rule has shown some reduction in pollution levels, according to a 2019 Central Pollution Control Board study, its overall impact remains a matter of controversy.

The odd-even vehicle rationing scheme is not unique to Delhi, as various cities around the world, including Beijing, Paris, Mexico City, Rome and Milan, have experimented with similar schemes to address air pollution.