Will ensure cabs do not charge more during odd-even plan: Delhi govt

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government is bracing itself for the odd-even car rationing scheme which will come into effect from November 13 to November 17. Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gehlot said, "we are calling a meeting of cabs and taxis tomorrow and we will ensure that there will be no surge pricing this time."

The odd and even scheme is being brought back as Delhi is recording hazardous levels of air quality. A blanket of smog has been hovering over Delhi and the adjoining areas. 

This will be the third time that the Odd-Even plan is being implemented in Delhi. It was first implemented for 15 days from January 1 of 2016 and then again from April 15 of the same year. Several exemptions are being made - especially for two-wheelers, CNG cars and women drivers driving alone or with children and/or children. 

Standing firm on his opposition to crop burning, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has said that Delhi is ready to take all steps but stubble burning needs to stop. 

"The high increase in PM levels in Delhi is not just due to local reasons. People and government of Delhi are ready to take all steps but these steps will not be enough until a solution to crop burning is found," Delhi CM said.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has issued a pollution advisory, asking citizens to drink plenty of water and to avoid areas with smoke or heavy dust, among other measures. All schools in the nation capital will remain shut till Saturday. The Delhi Metro will also increase the frequency of trains to encourage people to use the public transport due to heightened pollution levels.

The National Human Rights Commission has also sent notices to the Centre and governments of Delhi, Punjab and Haryana on the "life-threatening" pollution that has engulfed northern India.