Claiming that the odd even scheme has reduced air pollution levels in the national capital by 25 per cent, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal appealed to residents of the city to continue observing the ca
Claiming that the odd even scheme has reduced air pollution levels in the national capital by 25 per cent, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal appealed to residents of the city to continue observing the car-rationing measures voluntarily, even after the first phase ended on Friday.
However, Mr Kejriwal maintained suspense and did not reveal when the scheme will be repeated. Mr Kejriwal only said the government will decide on bringing the restrictions again, in an “improved form,” after assessing its impact at a review meeting on Monday.
“On Monday at 3 pm, an assessment meeting will be held with all the departments that were part of it. What are the lessons learnt and when we implement it again, whenever we do that, what are the preparations needed, we will assess,” the chief minister said.
He thanked the people of Delhi for the success of the fortnight-long car-rationing measure and tweeted later, “Proud of u Delhi. U give me confidence. Together, we can achieve anything. 1st phase of Odd Even ends today. Will do again in improved form.”
Mr Kejriwal said the measures, unprecedented in independent India’s history, had managed to increase the efficiency of the public transportation system, especially buses, as congestion came down “drastically.”
He stressed that Delhiites followed the measures not because of the provision of a Rs 2,000 penalty for each violation. “It gained widespread support as we took people along,” he said at a press conference at the Delhi Secretariat, flanked by transport minister Gopal Rai and home minister Satyendar Jain.
“People shared tales with me as to how they got used to good habits like Metro and carpooling. I appeal them not to leave those habits from tomorrow only because the fine won’t be there. Keep the scheme in force voluntarily because it’s about out health, children’s health and our collective future,” Mr Kejriwal said.
Mr Rai said that “three factors” have come up in wake of the restrictions, namely reduction in the level of peak pollution, a cut in the average volume of PM 2.5 (fine respirable particles) and the high quantity of pollutants in the border areas.
Sharing pollution data, Mr Rai said that the peak level of PM 2.5, that was recorded over 600 micrograms per cubic metre in December last year, settled at much lower levels in January and largely stayed at about 400 micrograms per cubic metre.
The safe limits of PM 2.5 and PM 10 are 60 and 100 respectively, anything beyond it is harmful as the particles can embed themselves deep into the lungs and subsequently enter the respiratory system.
“The high quantity of pollutants in border areas showed the negative effects of diesel and commercial vehicles. Areas where the scheme had effect, PM 2.5 stayed in and around 300 micrograms per cubic metre, amounting to a 20-25 per cent cut,” Mr Gopal Rai said.
Mr Kejriwal also thanked the agencies involved in enforcing the regulations, including the Delhi police, civil defence volunteers, Delhi Metro and “above all the fantastic people of Delhi.”
The chief minister said that he found gestures like that of Chief Justice of India T.S. Thakur, who carpooled to office, and other judges of the Supreme Court and high court “overwhelming.”
