India's capital Delhi has launched a car rationing system as part of its efforts to address the dangerous levels of pollution in the city.
Under the car rationing system, private cars in Delhi with even and odd number plates will only be permitted on roads on alternate days from November 4 to 15. This system has been previously introduced in 2016 and 2017 but there is uncertainty as to its impact on reducing pollution.
Currently, the city has levels of dangerous particles in the air known as PM2.5 at far higher rates than recommended. Because of this, millions of people are placed at risk of respiratory diseases amidst the worsening air quality.
Health officials have instructed people to remain indoors and avoid doing any physical activity while schools have been closed down until Tuesday, which is likely to be extended until Friday, as the city is currently covered by thick smog.
According to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the car rationing system called "odd-even plan" would reduce the number of cars on the road by hundreds of thousands. It will impose a fine of 4,000 rupees to those who will violate the decree.
Under the system, only public transport, emergency vehicles, taxis and two-wheeled vehicles will be allowed but women driving alone will be exempted from the rule.
While the scheme is expected to dramatically reduce traffic congestion in the city, there are doubts on whether it will significantly affect pollution levels.
Other sources of pollution
Experts pointed out that vehicle emissions are only one of several factors that contribute to the city's pollution problem. A major contributor to the smog is that this is the season when farmers in neighboring states burn crop stubble to clear their fields.
The burning results in the production of carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, which was further aggravated by the fireworks set off during the Hindu festival Diwali a week ago.
