Delhi CM Kejriwal urges citizens to follow rules as odd-even scheme kicks in 

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday urged the citizens to use carpooling in order to contain the worsening air quality in the national capital even as the proposed odd-even scheme kicked in from 8am on Monday morning. 

The odd-even scheme is a car rationing system aimed at combating pollution, by allowing the cars with odd and even number plates to ply on the roads of the national capital on alternate days.

The scheme, which kicked in today will be in place till November 14 except Sunday, November 10 and will be applicable from 8 am to 8 pm. 

The car rationing scheme comes at a time when the national capital region (NCR) is battling with severe to very severe level of air pollution.

Urging citizens to follow the scheme, Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal wrote on Twitter, "Hello Delhi, the odd-even scheme is starting from today, in order to reduce air pollution. Do follow odd-even for the sake of your health, your children`s health and your family`s breath. Share car, this will help increase friendship, build relationships, save petrol and reduce pollution." 

Kejriwal said on October 17 that the odd-even vehicle rationing scheme will only be implemented on "non-transport four-wheeled vehicles", exempting two-wheelers and emergency vehicles.

Persons with disabilities, vehicles carrying school students and electric vehicles are exempted from the rationing scheme. 

However, this time private CNG vehicles will come under its ambit. 

Delhi government has also said that only those women drivers who will steer the vehicle alone or with other women on-board or with a child less than 12 years of age will be exempted.

The move has already invited criticism from BJP and Congress, with leaders of both parties cornering Delhi government over the same.

Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Goel had on Sunday said that he will hold a symbolic protest against the Odd-Even scheme of the Delhi government and will ride through the streets of Delhi on Monday in his car to oppose the move. 

He termed the scheme as an "election stunt" and a "drama".

Congress leader JP Agarwal also criticised the move and said that it was too late for the Delhi government to act on the pollution issue.

The violation of the rules in the restricted hours will attract a fine of Rs 4000. 

(With inputs from ANI)