No intention to continue odd, even scheme after Jan 15: Delhi govt | Latest News Delhi - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

No intention to continue odd, even scheme after Jan 15: Delhi govt

Hindustan Times | By, New Delhi
Jan 09, 2016 05:14 PM IST

Delhi transport minister Gopal Rai on Saturday said that government has no intention to continue the odd even scheme after January 15.

Delhi transport minister Gopal Rai on Saturday said that government has no intention to continue the odd even scheme after January 15.

Delhi transport minister Gopal Rai talking to media outside the high court in New Delhi.(Ravi Choudhary/ Hindustan Times)
Delhi transport minister Gopal Rai talking to media outside the high court in New Delhi.(Ravi Choudhary/ Hindustan Times)

“We will carry out a review after 15th. Currently there is no plan to extend it further,” said Rai.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The Aam Aadmi Party government had on Friday told the Delhi high court that it may extend the odd-even scheme beyond the 15-day trial period, saying it has a “definite positive” effect against air pollution in the capital.

For 15 days from January 1, private cars are being allowed on the city’s roads every other day to try to reduce pollutant levels, which regularly hit 10 times the World Health Organization’s safe limits.

Read| Odd-even formula: People leave cars at home, opt for Metro, buses

Cars with odd-numbered licence plates have been directed to ply on odd-numbered dates, and those with even-numbered plates on the other days.

Till now 5893 challans have been issued to violators. “The money collected from challan will be used in giving subsidy to those planning to buy bicycle. We want to promote use of cycle,” said Rai.

Delhi transport minister Gopal Rai takes a visit during the trial of the odd-even car scheme at ITO in New Delhi on Thursday. (PTI)
Delhi transport minister Gopal Rai takes a visit during the trial of the odd-even car scheme at ITO in New Delhi on Thursday. (PTI)

Government helpline has received 13500 calls till now and transport department has formed 66 teams to check the traffic jams on Monday and Tuesday.

The government on Thursday had said that the road-rationing plan was working and would not be cut short as pollution levels in the city had dropped considerably. A week into the 15-day trial run, the city government, battling criticism that the odd-even formula for private cars had failed to clean city’s dirty air, had said the concentration of finest particles, known as particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5), had fallen significantly.

Sixty micrograms per cubic metre is considered the maximum safe level while the World Health Organization recommends 25 micrograms. These tiny particles released by factories and motor vehicles can cause respiratory distress and have also been linked to cancer and heart disease.

Read| This winter more polluted, but driving curbs helped: SC-appointed body

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On