Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said the odd-even road rationing scheme will be implemented in Delhi from November 4 to 15.

Kejriwal said the move was aimed at combating high levels of air pollution in winters when crop burning happens in neighbouring states.

Addressing mediapersons, the chief minister announced a seven-point action plan, called Parali Pollution Action Plan, to tackle pollution due to crop burning. He said that the plan was an emergency measure and that studies show the scheme reduces 10–13% pollution.

The Delhi government will be distributing masks in October to citizens, Kejriwal said.

Twelve “hot spots” where pollution is the highest have been marked, he said, adding that an action plan will be made to curb pollution in the area.

As part of the Parali action plan, Kejriwal said that water sprinkling to settle dust and mechanised sweeping of roads in coordination with the MCD will be carried out through out the city.

He urged people to avoid bursting crackers on Diwali, adding that the government will host a free-of-cost laser show on Choti Diwali.

He also encouraged people to plant trees.

“We seek participation of resident to plant trees. For those who want tree saplings, we will deliver them to their home. We will be providing a number where people can drop a sms or WhatsApp to receive the saplings,” the chief minister added.

Kejriwal clarified that after 15-20 November, the points relating to the odd-even scheme and bursting of crackers will be removed from the plan. The other points will, however, remain till winter ends.

The odd-even scheme has evoked mixed reactions from the public. While some are supporting it, many others are criticising the Kejrilwal-led government for it.

Vrikshit Foundation, a group of people working towards clean and green Delhi, welcomed the move by Kejriwal. Another user, Promila Gupta, member of Delhi Commission For Women, too came out in support of the move.

Another user hailed the decision as a 'much needed step to curb' pollution in Delhi.

Another user considered the step a diversion from 'finding a solution to crop burning and stopping it.' Some users, including a Twitter page devoted to the BJP, called it a 'drama.' CEO of All India Gaming Federation called the scheme very 'odd'.

Another user said that the scheme will not curb pollution.

Some users took the issue to share jokes on social media. While a user linked the step with the amended Motor Vehicle Act, another thought it was a move to 'revive the automobile industry and boost the economy.'

Another user called out Piyush Goyal's recent gravity gaffe and linked it with the scheme.

Under this scheme, the vehicles with registration number ending with odd and even numbers will ply on alternate days. Earlier, women motorists, two-wheelers and VIPs were exempted from the rule.

Kejriwal also announced his plans to invest in luxury buses and will be sharing the bus-aggregation policy soon. About 1,000 electric buses will be introduced in the city, he said.

While clarifying that the Delhi government will not ban any fuels, Kejriwal urged Delhi residents to slowly shift towards the use of electric-based vehicles.

He also said that war rooms will be created, where people can make pollution-related complaints. Environment awareness programmers will be implemented to educate children, the chief minister added.

Further, on the amended Motor Vehicle Act, he said that Delhi traffic has improved due to it. He, however, said that if there are issues arising due to the act, the Delhi government will mull over reducing the fines.