Delhi launches anti-pollution drive for private cars

Delhi government on Friday thanked the people of the city for making “successful” the implementation of the ambitious odd-even scheme on the first day with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal saying he was “overwhelmed” by the response of Delhiites. He added that he did not believe in functioning in accordance with the requirement of vote bank politics.

“According to the reports we have got till now, the Odd-Even Formula has been a success”.

Buses and metro services were increased to assist local residents with the changes in New Delhi, rated the world’s most polluted city by the World Health Organisation.

As many as 276 people were challaned on Saturday for violation of norms in the odd-even scheme on the second day of its implementation in the national capital.

The unprecedented restrictive measures, aimed at curbing pollution, was rolled out in the city on Friday and led to a major cut in the number of cars on city roads.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government claimed that pollution levels reduced across monitoring stations but a scientific justification is awaited on this.

One early violator caught driving a vehicle with an even-numbered licence plate on a busy stretch of road was fined Rs2,000 ($30) and ordered to return home.

Setting a personal example, Kejriwal, chief minister since February 2015, shared his SUV to go to office with two ministers, his personal secretary and a joint secretary. “So far, we have persuaded around a dozen people to turn back”, he said. “However, the scheme will not be applicable on Sundays”, a government official said.

On January 1, the first prosecution for violating the odd-even scheme took place at ITO junction about 33 minutes after the restrictions became operational at 8am today.

All city schools have been closed for 15 days, so that school buses can be used as public transport.

Under the regulations, cars bearing odd-numbered registration plates shall ply on city roads today while those with even number plates, if taken out, will attract a penalty of Rs 2,000 under relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act.

“Many of us are thrilled to share a vehicle and come to the office even if it’s just for 15 days”, she added.

The initial data on level of pollution from different centres show a reduction in vehicular emissions, he said. Cars carrying disabled people will also be allowed on all days.

The state governments have also been asked to promote battery-operated vehicles, enforce the ban on burning of agricultural waste and control dust pollution at construction sites.