Delhi: Odd-even scheme returns from April 15

The Congress party on Saturday termed one year of the Arvind Kejriwal government as a “complete failure” and said the ruling party in Delhi had been “finding excuses not to work” betraying those who elected it to office.

Explaining the decision to exempt two-wheelers again in the phase II of the odd even rule, Kejriwal said the public infrastructure is not strong enough to support the entire moving population of Delhi. “We urge them (VIPs) to follow the example set by the Chief Justice of India TS Thakur during the first phase of the scheme”, Kejriwal said. If the people of Delhi agree to cooperate and put up with an inconvenience of six days out of 15, it can be seriously considered.

He said the overwhelming response of Delhiites was that while they wanted the odd-even scheme, they did not desire it when the school exams were on.

A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath issued notice to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the LG and sought their replies by March 30 on the petition which also alleges that the rise in vehicle-generated air pollution in Delhi was due to “non-enforcement and non-implementation” of the 1988 Motor Vehicle Act, which prescribes punishment and fines for driving a polluting vehicle. The rule is applicable from 8am – 8pm and there will be no restriction on Sundays.

Deputy Delhi CM Manish Sisodia, cabinet ministers were also present at his birthday party.

Kejriwal added that about 500 retired military personnel would be recruited to enforce the odd-even scheme in April. Out of the 10,514 participants, 5,551 want the scheme on a permanent basis while 5,407 persons want the scheme to be introduced from as early as February 14, 2016.

Most drivers followed the rules, with traffic sharply reduced from the usual rush-hour chaos.

“By May this year, we will get 1,000 more buses, By August, we will get 1,000 more buses and by December we will get 1,000 more”.