Government, Delhi police spar over implementing car formula

The AAP government said on Monday that it is the “responsibility” of the Delhi police to implement its newly-proposed formula to curb air pollution in the national capital.

“The police is a part of government and they (the police) are not the government. It is their (Delhi police) responsibility to implement the law enacted by the government,” city home minister Satye-ndar Jain said in reply to a query about the Delhi police not being informed about the proposed curbs before their introduction. However, the police said on Monday that the AAP government is yet to approach the police force for discussing its odd-even formula.

“They (the government) are yet to approach us for a reasonable discussion on the scheme, which is imperative for its implementation,” a senior Delhi traffic police officer was quoted as saying by PTI.

He added that there is also no clarity till now regarding the legal provisions under which people who violate the odd-even formula will be prosecuted. “The implementing body should be given proper directions regarding which legal provisions they should adhere to for prosecuting offenders in this regard,” said the officer, adding that there are no provisions in the Motor Vehicles Act at present under which any action can be taken for the breach of the formula.

“We are also open to the idea of engaging private security agencies as extra hands for curbing rampant traffic violations,” said the traffic officer.

Some Delhiites have also resorted to the Delhi traffic police helpline seeking clarification on the odd-even formula. The police personnel, who have no clear directions so far, could not help the callers at all, the officer said.

The Delhi traffic police has a force of around 5,500 personnel, which in itself is inadequate in view of the rate of traffic violations in the city. Of the total strength, around 1,500 personnel are either on leave at any given point of time or reserved for VIP arrangements.