Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Friday that the odd-even road rationing scheme will come into effect in Delhi from November 4-15 along with other measures to combat high-level of air pollution caused due to stubble burning in neighbouring states during winters.
Odd-Even Scheme To Return in Delhi
Kejriwal announced at a press conference that the scheme will be a part of a seven-point ‘Parali Pradushan’ action plan including mass distribution of anti-pollution masks, mechanised sweeping and water sprinkling on the roads, tree plantation, and special plans for 12 pollution hotspots in the city.
The scheme entails allowing private vehicles whose registration number ends in even digits to ply on even dates and those with odd last digits to ply only on odd dates, with violators drawing a ₹2,000 fine. Women drivers and two-wheeler riders were exempted from the scheme on both the previous occasions.
Kejriwal said that the details of the scheme will be shared with people in the coming days.
Delhi government said that its decision to implement odd-even policy after Diwali has been taken after consulting with numerous experts and RWAs (resident welfare association). The days of odd-even policy will see more people relying on public transportation systems like buses and Metro. To cater to this need, the government is likely to introduce measures like plying more number of buses and increasing the frequency of Metro rail.
Odd-Even Scheme Announces Arvind Kejriwal
The CM, in his press conference, also announced that the state government will also appoint two environment marshals per ward in Delhi which will be tasked with discouraging people from burning garbage during winter. Kejriwal also mentioned that the government will also introduce a Tree Challenge in Delhi to encourage people to plant more trees.
Further, the Delhi government will hold a mega laser show on the eve of Diwali which will be open to the general public free of cost. Details about the show have not been revealed yet but the step is aimed at discouraging people from bursting crackers on Diwali so as to reduce air and noise pollution.
He said, “We appeal to the people to avoid bursting crackers on Diwali. The government will host a laser show on the eve of Diwali so that all people in the city could celebrate the festival. We hope people will not burst crackers after this.”
He further added that a war room will be set up to deal with complaints on air pollution. Awareness will be created among schoolchildren and they will be roped in to motivate their parents to help in efforts to curb pollution.
