After Delhi, Sikkim government is preparing for the odd-even scheme; Know the reason
Odd-Even Scheme: The odd-even scheme is a strategy that the Delhi government has been implementing for the last few years in an effort to fight the level of air pollution in Delhi-NCR. After Delhi, now this Indian state is preparing to implement the odd-even scheme. But the interesting thing is that the reason here is not pollution.
The Sikkim government implemented the odd-even traffic rule after Delhi did. In comparison to Delhi-NCR, the Sikkim government's odd-even regulation, which will govern the Gangtok municipal area starting on November 5, is not intended to deal with air pollution. In order to deal with traffic congestion, this state, which is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, has initiated this program.
The odd-even arrangement will continue till May 26, officials of the Sikkim government told news agency PTI. Under this arrangement, vehicles with odd numbers will be allowed to run on odd dates. Vehicles with even numbers will be allowed to ply on even dates from 9.30 am to 12 noon and from 3.30 pm to 6 pm, they said. Government officials said the exemption period will be applicable from 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm.
This odd-even scheme will cover the municipal limits of Gangtok, more so along the national highway between Mayfair gate and GICI, Zero Point. However, feeder roads will fall out of the ambit of this rule. Further, all emergency service vehicles such as ambulances, police and fire service vehicles, all essential services, and some government and media vehicles shall also be exempted from these restrictions.
Odd-even is a scheme that has been implemented over the past few years now, by the Delhi government in the fight against the growing traces of air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR. This takes into account the higher contribution of the same segment to the overall environmental pollution. In doing so, odd-number vehicles ply on odd dates, while those vehicles with even numbers run only on even dates. This cuts down the traffic quantity on the road.
Air quality in the national capital deteriorated over the past few days. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 352 on Sunday, which falls in the 'very poor' category, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). It is worse than the average AQI of 255 recorded on Saturday, which falls in the 'poor' category. On Monday, the AQI was recorded at 304. At the same time, Delhi's air continued in the worst category in NCR. Diwali is around the corner and the quality of air is most likely going to worsen further. So, in a few days, the odd-even scheme may be implemented by the government of Delhi.
