Delhi govt mulls to re-introduce odd-even plan

The Delhi government will hold an assessment meeting later this week on re-introduction of the odd-even scheme even as sources indicated that the third phase of the car-rationing plan may be introduced during the winter break of schools.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that the AAP government was mulling over the possibility of bringing back the odd-even scheme.

"Transport Minister Satyendar Jain will hold a meeting with his department officials on re-introduction of the odd-even scheme in next two-three days. In meeting, transport department will be asked to to a feasibility study on third phase of car-rationing scheme," said a senior government official.

However, sources said that government has no plan to immediately introduce the scheme in Delhi as it requires detailed planning.

"In December and January, schools are closed due to winter break. Government may take a decision to introduce third round of odd-even scheme,' they said.

"From January 1 to January 15 this year, government had implemented first round of the scheme when schools were closed following winter holidays," they said, adding that second phase had been introduced from April 15 to April 30.

According to government, two phases of car-rationing scheme were successfully implemented following which pollution level reduced.

As unprecedented level of pollution choked Delhi, the Delhi government had yesterday announced closure of schools till Wednesday besides a five-day ban on construction and demolition activities.