On January 1, the first prosecution for violating the odd-even scheme took place at ITO junction about 33 minutes after the restrictions became operational at 8am today.
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Yesterday, pollutant levels dipped by around 10 per cent on an average between 8 AM to 2 PM as compared to the previous two days, “possibly” due to the odd-even restrictions, before rising sharply afterwards with a fall in day-time temperature, SAFAR scientists said. “Whenever pollution levels spike this is used as a weapon”, Kejriwal said. “If the “odd-even” scheme works, it will be a pretty good thing”, said Shiv Arora.
While most of the cars ending with even digit number plate remained off the roads on Friday, AAP government’s ambitious odd-even scheme to curb pollution remained the talk of the town and also got thumbs up on social media websites.
“It is a bit exhausting, but I think we can manage to comply by the rules for two weeks”, the official said.
While 138 people were challaned by Delhi traffic police, 65 were fined by officials of Delhi Government’s transport department, said police and senior government officials.
The Chief Minister said, “The plan’s success has strengthened our confidence that if public is taken along even hard tasks can be handled and public support is bigger than even the Lieutenant Governor and the Centre”.
Police agreed that most of Delhi abided by the odd-even policy.
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia rode a bicycle from his residence on Mathura Road to the All India Radio office building on Parliament Street, and then to the Delhi Secretariat.
Emergency vehicles like ambulances, police cars, fire engines and taxis are exempt from the order. Those caught violating the scheme have to pay a penalty of Rs 2,000. Only odd-numbered cars are allowed on the roads today.
“I can’t believe it. All I see is even-numbered cars”. The growing vehicular population has contributed to making Delhi one of the world’s most polluted cities.
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Transport Minister Gopal Rai took a bus ride to take stock of the situation and spoke to volunteers deployed on the roads tasked with handing over roses to errant motorists. The metro will make 70 extra trips. The present number of buses can accommodate another 15-16 lakh passengers if their number increases on Monday, said the minister. But with Friday a holiday and followed by a weekend, the real test for Arvind Kejriwal’s pet scheme will be on Monday, a working day.
