Odd -even formula in Delhi to curb pollution kick starts

Odd -even formula in Delhi to curb pollution kick starts:

The Delhi government detailed its ambitious plan to curb pollution through the odd-even number plate formula.

Privately-owned cars with registration that ends with an odd number will be allowed odd dates while even-numbered will even dates.

The newly-appointed Chief Justice of India, Justice T.S. Thakur, has extended support for the ‘odd-even traffic formula’.

Odd-even car restrictions have been implemented across the world since the 1980s. Beijing — pipped by Delhi as the most polluted city in the world last year — introduced the measure before the 2008 Olympics.

The move comes after Delhi declared as the  most polluted city in the world by WHO recently.

15 important points to be observed are :

1.     Delhi Chief Minister and his family members not exempt from the law.

2.     Odd numbered cars to ply on odd dates, even numbered cars on even dates.

3.     Formal notification for OddEvenFormula will be out on Monday (December 28)

4.     A fine of Rs 2000 will be imposed on people who violate the Odd-Even Formula.

5.     Odd-even policy will not be in effect on Sunday, it will be in force on other days from 8am to 8pm.

6.     Avoid strangers for car-pooling. Make groups of friends, relatives and colleagues for car pooling.

7.     Those on way to hospital for medical emergency should carry proof, vehicles of physically challenged should do so too.

8.     Exemption cases to Odd -Even Formula: Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, Governors of states/ Lt Governor, Chief Justice of India, Union Ministers.

9.     We need cooperation from Traffic Police. Please don’t allow jams to happen when you fine people.

10.                        Will take a pledge on January 30 in Delhi schools where children will convince their parents to follow odd-even formula.

11.                        4000-5000 more buses to be pressed into service, metro frequency to increase.

12.                        If the public transport is able to bear the pressure, and if the formula works, then we will see if we want to continue it.

13.                        This scheme is for you, for your kids. We are all coughing. It is for the environment.

14.                        Govt can take up an initiative but everyone needs to participate in Delhi to make those initiatives successful.

15.                        No restriction on two-wheelers so far. But they may be brought under the ambit of the policy in the second phase Vehicles bearing defence ministry number plates and those of Special Protection Group (SPG) protectees would not be covered by the rules under which cars bearing odd and even numbers would ply on alternate dates till January 15.

The Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal assured that Delhi Metro services would run at its peak frequency during the period. Mr. Kejriwal said About 10,000 NCC and NSS volunteers would be pressed into service who will offer roses to violators so that there is a mindset change. According to the blueprint, cars bearing odd number plates would not be even allowed to park in public parking lots during odd number dates and vice-versa.

According to the plan, owners of CNG-fitted cars will need to show prescribed stickers. A ‘carpool app’ would soon be launched by the government. Nearly 10 lakh private cars will daily stay off Delhi roads once the odd-even formula is enforced with drastic reduction in traffic flow expected to significantly reduce the high-level of pollution in the city.

Watchdebate on Odd-even formula: