A day after the Delhi High Court described the city as a "gas chamber", the state government has announced plans to allow vehicles with odd and even number plates to ply only on alternate days from Jan. 1, 2016.
This means that vehicles having a license plate with an odd number can be driven only on one day, while those ending with an even number can be taken out the next day. This will not apply to public vehicles. The Delhi government has said that it hopes to reduce vehicular pollution by half. It added that it will prepare public transport, including buses and the Metro, for the extra passengers.
The decision is similar to the Chinese government's car restrictions in smog-hit Beijing in 2013. However, these were implemented only when the highest pollution warning was given in the city.
The move will prove to be controversial, as several people expressed concerns about the implementation of the decision on Twitter.
I hope odd and even numbers on alternate days in Delhi doesn't mean people buy second cars! Or fake license plates! https://t.co/QHQ52ivano
— Vikram Chandra (@vikramchandra) December 4, 2015
What about safety of people who travel late? Medical emergencies? Cab services? https://t.co/6Ds2eAx7I2
— Ketaki Bhojnagarwala (@KetakiBhoj) December 4, 2015
People hv started planning second car with odd/even number in my office.. :P— Kapil (@kapsology) December 4, 2015
@firstpost Lack of parking space will be the new challenge as the no of vehicles will increase with everyone owning two vehicles.— vibgyorss (@vibgyor_PK) December 4, 2015
Others used the social media platform to see the funny side of the measure, with many predicting that this wouldn't affect rich residents who already owned two cars.
Left: My car on odd days Right: My car on even days #Delhi pic.twitter.com/SOYJxsSfMM
— Shaitaan Khopdi™ (@shaitaankhopdi) December 4, 2015
Delhi government: "Even number cars not to be driven today. Aaj only odd hi chala sakte hai." South Delhi: "Okay. Driver, Audi nikaalo."
— Akshar (@AksharPathak) December 4, 2015