Delhi government on Monday afternoon confirmed that the odd-even scheme in Delhi will not be extended as the sky has cleared up and there is no need for it anymore. The statement came after reports of government planning to extend the odd-even rule after the third edition came to an end on November 15. "The sky is clear now, so there is no need of it," Delhi chief minister told media on Monday. Earlier, Delhi government had said it will take the final decision on odd-even scheme on Monday. This comes a big relief for the beleaguered Delhiites who have not been able to use their cars on certain days of the week, depending on their registration number. However, while Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) has improved, IMD forecast has it that it may deteriorate from Tuesday.

COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

The odd even scheme was implemented by the Delhi government between November 4 and November 15 to reduce traffic congestion and pollution at a time when smoke resulting from stubble burning started by farmers in Punjab reached the city, making air quality the worst in the world. On Sunday, Delhi government said that there is a "very strong correlation" between stubble burning and pollution in north India. It attributed the improvement in air quality to the dip in cases of crop residue fires.

WATCH Zee Business TV LIVE Streaming Online -

Burning of crop stubble in neighbouring Punjab and Haryana is being blamed as as one of the major reasons for high levels of air pollution during winters in Delhi.

"A very strong correlation can be seen between stubble burning and the spike in air pollution in North India. As soon as stubble burning began in the first week of Oct, the AQI started rising. Now that burning is coming to an end, air quality is also improving'" the CM Arvind Kejriwal tweeted.