Authorities are considering re-introducing the odd-even number plate scheme in Delhi. This move comes after the capital’s air quality remained in the ‘severe’ category for the fourth consecutive day as of December 25, 2018.

Speaking about the pollution crisis, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, “We’re taking a number of steps like tree plantation drives and buying 3,000 buses, etc. We sanctioned one of largest metro phases yesterday. If the need arises, we’ll implement the odd-even scheme. Each individual has to play a role in reducing pollution”.

Part of the Supreme Court-enforced Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the odd-even number plate scheme was pitched in December 2015, to be implemented for the first time in 2016. Under this scheme, cars with license plates ending in an odd and even number were allowed to use the roads on alternate days. However, the scheme has got into controversies over exemptions granted to various categories of vehicles.

Authorities said that Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) remained in the ‘severe’ category for four consecutive days as meteorological conditions have been deemed unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants. On December 23, the national capital recorded an AQI of 450 which was the second-highest, all year.

The odd-even scheme was first introduced for 15 days in January 2016; and reintroduced for another 15 days in April 2016 in its second phase. It was then under consideration to be implemented on a monthly basis. However, the Government called off the scheme in November 2016 despite it being cleared by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).