Delhi / Odd-even scheme back in Delhi post Diwali from November 4-15: Arvind Kejriwal

India Today : Sep 13, 2019, 02:02 PM
The Delhi government's odd-even scheme would be implemented in the capital city from November 4 to 15, announced Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Under the scheme, odd and even-numbered vehicles ply on alternate days from November 4 to 15. The Delhi CM, however, did not announce any exemptions planned in the scheme.

Arvind Kejriwal said the move was aimed at combating high levels of air pollution in winters when crop burning takes place in neighbouring states. This is the third time the Delhi government has implemented the odd-even scheme to keep a check on air pollution in the capital city.

On the first day of the odd-even scheme (November 4), vehicles with odd registration numbers would be allowed to run on the Delhi roads. The vehicles with even registration numbers would be allowed to run across the city the next day, and so on.

Addressing a press conference, Arvind Kejriwal said that Delhi is one state which has been able to keep a check on air pollution in the past few years. However, the odd-even scheme will not be implemented in case the air pollution level does not cross the danger mark.

The odd-even scheme is a part of the Delhi government's seven-point action plan to tackle pollution due to crop burning. The action plan also includes distribution of masks, mechanised sweeping of roads, tree plantation, and special plans for 12 pollution hotspots in the city.

"Delhi government had sought suggestions from the public regarding the stubble burning issue and it was discussed with experts and the resident welfare association (RWA). We got more than 1,200 suggestions on this and a seven-point starchy pollution action plan was prepared," Arvind Kejriwal said.

He said, "The Delhi government is going to procure special N-95 masks on a large scale so that those who want the pollution masks can purchase them. They would be available from October. There will be a separate action plan for pollution control for 12 critical areas. Every ward in Delhi will have two environment marshals."

Announcing the odd-even scheme, Arvind Kejriwal asked the people in Delhi not to burn firecrackers this Diwali as the smoke from the firecrackers gets accumulated in air. A campaign against firecrackers will also be launched in Delhi.

"There has been an improvement in Delhi's traffic ever since the new Motor Vehicle Act has been implemented. If there is any clause due to which people are facing more problem and we have the power to reduce the fine then we will certainly do it," he announced.

Arvind Kejriwal had in December said that the Delhi government will again implement the odd-even scheme, to regulate plying of private vehicles in the city, whenever it is required. He also said the Delhi government was taking several steps for reducing pollution levels in the national capital.

The odd-even scheme of the Delhi government was first introduced in January 2016 and reimplemented in April 2016. In January 2016, the odd-even scheme was implemented from January 1 to 15 and a penalty of Rs 2,000 was imposed for the violation of the scheme. It was reimplemented in April again from 15 till 30.

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