Odd-even scheme can’t be implemented permanently, says Arvind Kejriwal

“Many drivers who were driving even numbered cars paid fine just because they had no availability of public transport to their workplaces”, he said. “Delhi will show way to the rest of the country”, Kejriwal told reporters outside his residence.

“Delhi has done it!”

“By and large, Delhiites have welcomed this [odd-even formula] and it has been implemented very successfully so far”.

Kejriwal shared his vehicle with other ministers, while Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain leaves for Delhi Secretariat in an E-rickshaw.

“Overwhelmed” by the response he got over the implementation of the odd-even plan for cars in the national capital to control pollution level in the city, Delhi Chief Arvind Kejriwal quoted musician John Lennon’s words on Friday to appreciate the participation of people. Even BJP MP and former Mumbai commissioner Satyapal Singh was stopped while travelling in his even-numbered vehicle.

The restrictions will run until Jan 15 on a trial basis and are part of a wider drive aimed at reducing pollution levels that also includes shutting some coal-fired power plants and vacuuming roads to reduce dust.

The Delhi authorities claimed air pollution ranges had decreased throughout stations, however specialists identified that the dip was exclusively seen until the primary half of the day in lots of stations.

To ensure compliance, traffic police and 10,000 volunteers will fan out across the city and violators will be fined 2,000 rupees (US$30) – steep for the average Delhiite. According to the odd-even scheme, odd- and even-numbered four-wheelers will ply on Delhi’s road on alternate dates.

Rai later took a bus ride to find out how the Delhi Transport Corporation was faring.

Although the chief minister and the lieutenant governor are exempt from the scheme, Kejriwal had said he would abide by it. “But it would have been better if he had discussed this problem with all stakeholders, all political parties and everybody and then they should have done a micro detailing about the implementation of this odd and even (measure)”, Upadhyay said.

Delhi government has launched two helplines 011-42400400 and 011-41400400 for queries and clarifications.

Many believe Delhi residents will deploy the famed Indian skill of “jugaad” – creating a cheap alternative solution – by forging number plates or buying second cars.

The real test of the scheme’s effectiveness will be on Monday as a number of private offices are closed today. They have achieved the impossible and I am hopeful that Delhi will scale greater heights in the days to come.

Kejriwal, who has repeatedly stressed on the need for the scheme to be successful in view of the capital’s alarming pollution levels, had warned volunteers against “arguing or misbehaving” with motorists. Also, you can use #PollutionFreeDelhi hashtag on Twitter followed by your departure and destination point to receive push notifications on the availability of busses and metro trains pertaining to that areas.