Real Test For Delhi’s Odd-Even Plan Today After Long Weekend

Like a bunch of earnest students swotting for their board exams, the Delhi government spent a month preparing for the crucial Monday test of its odd-even experiment that aims to curb pollution and congestion in the national capital.

Most of the Delhi’s traffic has been off-road since January 1 due to weekend and New Year holidays. Addressing reporters here, Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai appealed to auto owners to continue supporting the odd-even scheme in order to improve the quality of air in the city.

At places such as Rajendra Nagar in North Delhi and in Central Delhi’s Connaught Place, volunteers from the Civil Defence force were seen assisting the police with directing traffic and noting down the vehicle numbers of violators.

Also, the second day of the formula, January 2 has proved to be a major success for the Delhi government’s odd even formula as a drop of 300% has been recorded in air pollution level in some areas of Delhi.

The Delhi government said it is prepped to meet the challenge.

Crowded buses and metros marked the first few hours of the implementation of the “odd-even” scheme today, while roads had cars with largely even-number registration plates and an augmented number of traffic police men and volunteers. Similarly, Delhi Metro will make extra trips thus increasing its strength from existing 26 lakh to 32 lakh, Mr Rai said.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet have pledged to show the way by example.

The government has exempted women, VVIPs, police, paramilitary forces, emergency services like ambulances, fire brigade, gas-run private vehicles etc. A fine of 2,000 rupees will be imposed on offenders. “This itself is an indication that the mindset of people for environment is changing and I salute all Delhiites for this two days’ success”, Rai added.