Published 14:08 IST, September 13th 2019
Nitin Gadkari counters Kejriwal: Don't need Delhi Odd-Even right now
Soon after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the odd-even formula will be back from November 4 to Nov 15, Nitin Gadkari said that it is not needed
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Soon after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the odd-even formula will be back in the national capital from November 4, Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari said that it is not needed. Kejriwal on Friday announced that the scheme will be implemented from November 4 to November 15. The Odd-Even rule will be implemented for the third time in Delhi after being introduced by the Kejriwal government in 2016. The step by the AAP government comes right before the assembly elections in Delhi even as Kejriwal has announced it as a part of his winter action plan to tackle pollution.
Even as Delhi CM Kejriwal is sure his seven-point action plan of pollution control in the national capital, Gadkari said that the move was not needed at this moment. He added that the Ring Road built by the Centre is tackling the pollution. He ensured that Central govt's planned schemes will reduce pollution in Delhi in next two years.
Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Odd-Even scheme: No I don't think it is needed. The Ring Road we have built has significantly reduced pollution in the city and our planned schemes will free Delhi of pollution in the next two years. pic.twitter.com/X7b6XwkyME
— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2019
What is Odd-Even scheme?
In the odd-even scheme, vehicles whose registration number ends on even digits are are allowed on even dates and those with odd digits will throng on odd dates. The timing for the odd even scheme in previous phases was from 8 am to 8 pm. The violations of the scheme was fined upto Rs 2000. The Kejriwal government also exempted two-wheelers, women-only vehicles, CNG, hybrid and electric vehicles, emergency vehicles and VIPs in the previous phases. However, Delhi CM has announced that they will exempt only emergency vehicle this time.
Seven-point action plan by Kejriwal
Apart from the implementation of Odd-Even scheme, Kejriwal also announced a list of measure to fight pollution in the national capital. He said that Delhi will celebrate a Pollution-free Diwali without the burning of crackers. A massive laser show on Choti Diwali will be held. Kejriwal added: "The laser show will have free entry so that everyone can celebrate Diwali together and we hope people won't use firecrackers after that." He also said that the government will procure masks for the public on a massive scale and that they will be made available to the public, free of cost. His action plan also includes a dedicated helpline will also be set up which will help people plant more trees, identification of 12 hotspots in Delhi which are categorised as heavily polluted areas and mechanised sweeping.
13:24 IST, September 13th 2019