After the success of odd-even formula implemented by the Delhi Government on a trial basis from January 1 to 15 in the national Capital, the Arvind Kejriwal Government is to introduce the second phase of the pollution-control scheme after the completion of CBSE Board exams in March end.
Top sources told The Pioneer that though the final date is to be announced soon, two-wheelers and single women driver will, however, not come within the ambit of the second phase of the scheme that is to be held when the pollution level goes high in the city in April due to the impact of westerly winds in April as well as May.
The Government spent Rs2 crore on media blitz during the odd-even scheme. Besides, the Government has asked Uttar Pradesh and Haryana Governments to stop trucks travelling to other States from entering the city as the vehicles were found contributing to the high pollution level during the trial of odd-even car formula.
Transport Minister Gopal Rai said during the trial of odd-even car rationing formula, high pollution level was found in bordering areas but in inner areas of Delhi, the pollution level was not so high.
“There are thousands of trucks travelling to other States but enter Delhi. I have written to both UP and Haryana Governments to stop such vehicles from entering Delhi and divert them to other ways,” said the Minister.
Rai said he has also written to Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari asking him to monitor the construction works of Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways. “If Eastern Peripheral Expressway and Western Peripheral Expressway are constructed on time, trucks travelling to Delhi will not need to come here and they will then use these Expressways,” said the Minister. Also, Rai has written to Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu to strengthen the ring rail network so that people don’t have to face problems while using public transport.
The city Government is planning to bring around 1,000 buses on the road by March so that to avoid discomfort to commoners.
Rai said the Government has planned to add 3,000 new buses this year and introduce premium buses for the well-off class to augment public transport as it wants to implement the odd-even car-rationing at regular intervals. “Under the premium bus service, we will run 1,000 buses by the end of this year. These buses will have AC, water, magazine, marshals, wi-fi and other facilities,” said the Minister.
One thousand buses are to be run under cluster system on roads from April-May while 1,000 air-conditioned low-floor buses will hit the streets from August.
Moreover, to make the scheme more vigorous and effective in the second phase, the city Government is considering stringent provisions against dangerous driving - lane violation, over speeding and reckless driving. Violators could be fined Rs 2,000. It is understood that the issue was raised in a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal after the conclusion of odd-even scheme earlier.
In the meeting, Special Commissioner (Traffic) Muktesh Chander had suggested that stringent provisions against lane driving will ensure the success of the scheme. “His suggestion has been taken seriously. The penalty is under consideration with the Environment Department and is likely to be implemented soon,” said sources.
The Government claimed that during the implementation of the car-rationing scheme, the average pollution level had come down significantly and it also decongested the city’s roads. However, some scientists claimed that though the scheme didn’t succeed in curbing the pollution level as its impact was miniscule, the congestion on roads came down.