BJP wants odd-even to fail, but Delhi will fail BJP: Arvind Kerjriwal

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, April 16, 2016: A day after the Delhi government kick-started the second phase of its ambitious odd-even scheme, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of fanning an auto union strike during the vehicle rationing initiative.

Arvind Kejriwal has appealed to residents of the national capital to make the scheme a success.

In a series of tweets, Kejriwal accused the BJP of trying to jeopardise the first phase of the scheme in January as well by orchestrating a strike of officers. He said that the people of Delhi "failed BJP" and made the odd-even scheme a success.

The second phase of the odd-even scheme started on Friday in a bid to reduce congestion on the roads and ultimately tackle rising levels of air pollution. Almost 2,500 personnel were deployed at 200 points of the city, with ex-servicemen assigned the task of patrolling inner streets.

1,311 challans were issued against violators, which showed there would be stricter enforcement during the 16-day phase two of the road-rationing scheme. In stark contrast, only 294 challans were issued on the first day of the January trial.

Under the fortnight-long scheme, private cars having odd registration numbers can ply only on odd dates and the even numbers on even dates, subjected to a set of exemptions. The rules under the scheme are applicable between 8 am and 8 pm, except on Sundays.

The first phase of the policy, that was in force between January 1 and 15, did not have its intended affect as it could not lower pollution "as much as expected" but it significantly helped reduce traffic congestion in the city, Kejriwal has said.

However, Kejriwal has also stated that his government is seriously considering to enforce the measure for a period of fifteen days every month. Experts will be monitoring its affect on gaseous pollutants such as Ozone this time.

Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai said the government has arranged for adequate supply of drinking water, lemonade, caps, umbrellas and special ambulances for the volunteers facing the scorching heat during the period.

He said that 10 CCTV cameras have been installed at specific intersections to monitor vehicular movement during the fortnight.