Will implement odd-even scheme whenever required: Arvind Kejriwal

With national capital battling 'severe' air pollution, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Tuesday Delhi government will implement odd-even scheme, to regulate plying of private vehicles in city, whenever it is required.

He said Delhi government was taking several steps for reducing pollution levels in national capital.

In view of city's 'severe' air quality, Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) on Monday banned industrial activities in pollution hot spots and construction work across Delhi-NCR till December 26.

"Whenever odd-even (scheme) is required, we will definitely implement it," Kejriwal told reporters in New Delhi.

"We all have to be participants in reducing pollution. Delhi government is taking several steps. We have carried out large-scale tree plantation drive. government will procure 3000 buses soon. Also, we sanctioned a large phase of Metro... We are making all efforts on our part," he said.

Asked about Centre's role in reducing pollution levels, chief minister said Union government should call a meeting of neighbouring states as "air has boundary".

"In October and vember, re are around 20-25 days when pollution level increases in Delhi due to stubble burning (in neighbouring states). Until centre takes steps, thing cant be done," Kejriwal said.

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Delhi's air quality remained in 'severe' category for fourth consecutive day on Tuesday as meteorological conditions continued to be unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants, authorities said.

city is facing its worst pollution crisis since Diwali.

While Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed overall air quality index (AQI) at 'severe' level of 416, Centre-run System of Air Quality and Wear Forecasting (SAFAR) recorded an AQI of 423.

In view of city's severe air quality, authorities have vised people to minimise outdoor activities and avoid use of private vehicles.

Industries located in hotspot industrial areas of Wazirpur, Mundka, Narela, Bawana, Sahibab and Faridab will remain closed until Wednesday, EPCA Chairperson Bhure Lal h said in a letter to Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Dev. 

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