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Kejriwal announces rules ahead of odd-even scheme

New Delhi: As Delhi witnessed "Very Poor" air quality, three days in a row, state Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced extra measures to gear up for the Odd-Even scheme that will start from November 4 to 15. Addressing a press conference here, Kejriwal focussed on the upcoming odd-even system and said, "The Delhi government had decided to implement the Odd-Even scheme in November due to the pollution caused in the state from stubble burning in the neighbouring states."

The rule will be implemented from 8 am to 8 pm and will be applicable on all days except Sundays. The scheme will also be applied to vehicles coming from other states. A fine of Rs 4,000 will be levied upon those caught violating the scheme.

Meanwhile, President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Minister, Chief Justice, Lok Sabha Speaker, Delhi Governor, and Supreme Court judges will be exempted from the scheme. This, however, does not apply to Delhi Chief Minister and other ministers.

Besides that ambulance, fire brigade, hospital, prison, hearse vehicles and two-wheelers have also been exempted. It was also announced that private vehicles ferrying school children in uniform and women would also be exempted.

On the other hand, the Delhi Cabinet approved the Transport Department's proposal for the engagement of 2,000 extra CNG operated buses during the Odd-Even period for augmentation of the public transport, and also approved the fixation of rates for these buses.

The Delhi CM, however, claimed that pollution in the national capital was at a moderate level since the last 7-8 months, but blamed stubble burning in the neighbouring states as the cause of pollution in and around the city. The state authorities have maintained that outside factors such as stubble burning is the leading cause of concern for pollution here.

He also mentioned that the Central-based pollution agencies have been blaming Delhi for all its pollution, which is not viable. "We respect all experts, but the people of Delhi alone cannot be blamed for the pollution; it is through their efforts that the pollution has reduced by 25 per cent," said Kejriwal. The Chief Minister was citing the report by SAFAR.

Besides all that Kejriwal announced the real-time source apportionment of pollution in the national capital, which will be possible from next April. "We have set up a centre next to DPCC office near India Gate. The Centre is taking the sample of air in Delhi daily. After analyzing the air samples for a year, the base data of air quality in Delhi will be prepared from next April onwards," he added. It was also announced that work on the considerations regarding staggering office timings is also being looked at.

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