Delhi goes odd-even, real test on Monday
203 challaned for violating rule on first day of the scheme
NEW DELHI: Delhi rolled out on Friday a road rationing scheme aimed at cleaning the Capital’s toxic air but the real impact of the radical experiment is expected to kick in on Monday, the first full working day after an extended weekend.
Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal described the “success” of day one as a “movement” but admitted the 15-day trial of allowing odd and even-numbered private vehicles to ply on alternate days could not be a permanent solution. “It is not possible to implement the scheme permanently,” he told a news channel. “These weapons are used on temporary basis to curb dangerous levels of pollution.”
However, air quality monitoring stations in the city recorded higher levels of dangerous particulate matter on Friday than on Thursday, a phenomenon experts attributed to low temperature.
Pollution levels in the city of 25 million have consistently shot past WHO safety levels this winter with thick smog hanging low over the city’s skies.
Officials said that as the scheme was rolled out during an extended weekend, fewer vehicles were seen on the roads. Public transport, including Metro and buses, also witnessed less-than-normal demand.
However, the majority of vehicles which hit the roads were odd numbered, as mandated.
Officials said 203 persons were fined R2,000 each for travelling in even-numbered vehicles.
While the government conceded that the scheme would be tested in real terms on Monday, AAP leaders said the “near absence” of even-numbered cars was encouraging and it showed people have appreciated the message of “choosing health over facilities”.
“It has become a movement and we are truly overwhelmed by the response we have received so far. Delhi will show the way to the rest of the country,” Kejriwal said.
Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues led the way by using different modes of transport — motorbike, e-rickshaw, bus and carpooling — to travel to the secretariat.
As per estimates, about one million private cars are expected to go off the road if the scheme, with the exemptions, tastes success on a regular day.
“Some people are saying that the real test of this scheme will be on Monday when people in large numbers will go to work. I am confident that in the coming days as well, Delhiites will continue to support our endeavor as they will choose the health of their child over their comfort,” transport minister Gopal Rai said.