Indian capital adopts "odd-even" scheme to check pollution

The government of Indian capital New Delhi Friday rolled out its much ambitious "odd-even" plan of private cars in the Indian capital to curb alarming levels of pollution.

The formula came into effect this morning and would run for two weeks on experimental basis, following which final call on its continuation will be taken.

"The scheme will be in operation from 8:00 a.m. (local time) to 8:00 p.m. during this period. However, the scheme will not be applicable on Sundays," a government official said.

According to the formula, violators of the policy would be penalized with a fine of 30 U.S. dollars.

Reports said at several places volunteers were seen displaying placards in support of the policy and assisting traffic police to enforce the formula.

According to the scheme, cars bearing odd-numbered registration plates shall ply on roads on odd days, while those with even number plates will be ply on even days.

VIPs, women drivers, Compressed Natural Gas-certified vehicles, two-wheelers and those carrying the differently-abled are among the 25 categories which are exempted from the formula.

However, New Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues have decided to abide by the rule.

New Delhi has been experiencing hazardous levels of pollution and is one of the most polluted cities in the world, according to the World Health Organization. Endit