Kerala govt implements odd-even scheme from today to control vehicle movement amid eased lockdown

The state has been divided into four zones - Red, Orange A, Orange B and Green. Media reports said the lockdown will be relaxed in Orange B and Green zones. The odd-even scheme will be implemented in accordance with the guidelines of the zones in each district, the reports added.

Red zone comprises Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode and Malappuram districts and lockdown wil not be relaxed here until May 3.

Orange-A zone includes Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam and Kollam while Orange-B zone comprises Alappuzha, Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, Thrissur and Wayanad districts and lockdown will be in effect here till Apr 24.

Kottayam and Idukki come under the Green zone and lockdown has been eased here from today.

According to the guidelines, the vehicles with odd numbers will be allowed on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays while even number plate will be allowed on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. There will be exceptions for health emergencies, solo women travellers, the reports said.

In private four-wheelers, only two travellers will be allowed in the rear seat while in two-wheelers a pillion family member will be allowed apart from the rider.

Kerala Police chief Loknath Behera has said a reduction of at least 40 per cent is expected in traffic volume, the reports said.

Inter-state travel will remain suspended and will be allowed only for health reasons and food distribution, he added.

People travelling to their offices can simply show their identity cards, the reports added.

However, public transport wil remain suspended and inter-district transport will also not be allowed, said reports.

Meanwhile, in a letter, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has lashed out at the Kerala government for granting extra relaxations, which were not listed by the Centre, from Monday.

"This amounts to dilution of guidelines issued by MHA and violation of MHA Order dated 15th April 2020 issued under the Disaster Management Act 2005.

"I would urge you to rectify the guidelines of GoK in line with the consolidated revised guidelines dated 15th April & 16th April 2020 without any dilution and to ensure strict compliance of lockdown measures," a letter by Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla read.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan tweeted on Monday, "Kerala is making its way back into life. From today on, some areas will see relaxations. We are not past the danger & must remain cautious. The lockdown must have made some of our life skills rusty; take extra precaution. Wash hands. Wear masks. Social Distancing."