In a move to curb pollution, the Delhi government proposed an ‘odd/even’ number formula for cars, from January 1, 2016. According to the proposal, cars with odd number plate and even number plate will ply on roads on alternate days from Friday in an initial two-week trial.

The first day of the odd-even experiment in the capital on Friday was declared more successful than expected by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government though the initial readings of the air quality levels did not support the claim.

Between 8am and 2pm, PM 2.5—particulate matter with diameter less than 2.5 microns—levels fell from 194 μg/m3 (microgram per cu. m of air) to 188 μg/m3, according to a report by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), ministry of earth sciences. By 6 pm, PM 2.5 levels were at 198 μg/m3, which is considered very poor quality as the optimum level is 60 μg/m3.

Kejriwal said the scheme would be in practice till January 15. “It is not possible to implement the scheme permanently. These weapons are used on a temporary basis to curb dangerous levels of pollution,” Kejriwal said. “A decision on whether to continue it or not will be taken only after January 15.”

Delhi has done it! Reports so far v encouraging. Delhiites! U give me hope that U are capable of achieving big challenges

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 1, 2016

Delhi has one of the worst air quality in India. The move came after the Delhi High Court made a scathing observation that the current air pollution levels in the national capital have reached “alarming” proportions and it was akin to “living in a gas chamber”. The court directed the Centre and city government to present comprehensive action plans to combat it. Then the AAP government came with an odd-even scheme.

The government has made several exemptions to make it easier for people to follow the restrictions. The plan will be imposed between 8 am and 8 pm from Monday to Saturday. Women will be allowed to drive their cars on all days but they can only be accompanied by women and children below the age of 12. Cars carrying disabled people will also be allowed on all days. Emergency vehicles like ambulances, police cars, fire engines and taxis have been exempted from the order. Along with two wheelers, cars operating on natural gas have been exempted. In cases of medical emergency, people will not be stopped from taking patients to hospitals.

Delhi Government’s initiative to combat air pollution is getting support from all corners. ‘Hero’ company has provided 100 bikes to Delhi Govt which will be deployed as taxis during the period when the Odd Even formula will be applicable to help commuters reach their destination on time. The government has hired around 3,000 private buses to provide shuttle services into the city from residential areas to ease the extra pressure on the public transport network.