Only 233 challans issued for violation of vehicle-rationing scheme; wind cuts down pollution
The Delhi Government on Monday said the odd-even scheme was smoothly implemented and the commuters were co-operative and followed the regulation of vehicle-rationing scheme which will continue for 11 more days till November 15. The Delhi Traffic Police and State Transport Authority (STA) issued 233 challans for violating the rules.
Pollution levels in Delhi dropped marginally on Monday morning due to a slight increase in wind speed, but the air quality remained in the ‘severe’ category. At 4.38 am, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 438. The AQI at Alipur, Narela and Bawana were registered at 493, 486 and 472 respectively. While, the PM 2.5 levels was 562 till Monday morning and it dipped to 152 at 2 pm. It came down to 92 at 4 pm.
The scheme was first implemented in 2016 twice in April and November to cut vehicular emissions to control increasing level of pollution.
“Today I want to congratulate the people of Delhi as they have taken a difficult but decisive step to curb pollution. The positive results show that if people want, everything is possible.
“The first day of the third series of the odd-even scheme implemented in the city was very successful. I thank every citizen of Delhi for owning up this initiative,” said Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. He said they will submit the results of the first day of odd even before the Supreme Court.
“Today I went for an event 15-20km away. I observed the compliance to the scheme. I could see only two vehicles with odd number plate, one parked near the metro station and another on the other side of the road, probably driven by women,” said Sisodia.
As per the officials data shared, a total number 170 persons were fined by Delhi Traffic Police, while 10 challans were issued by the transport department’s enforcement team. The remaining seven were issued by Sub-District Magistrate.
Sisodia and Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot claimed the PM 2.5 level decreased to 93 at 4.00 pm from 573 in morning due to the odd-even scheme.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, “Out of 30 lakh vehicles registered in the city, only 15 lakhs vehicles will be running on the road.”
“As per the latest reports it is 93. It is a major sign of controlling the pollution. Undoubtedly this initiative contributed immensely to curb pollution,” said Sisodia.