First Test for AAP’s Odd-Even Rule in Delhi Today

For the first 15 days of the New Year, odd-numbered cars will be allowed on odd dates and even-numbered cars on even dates, barring Sunday, when all cars will be allowed.

A trial run at some 200 points across the city between 9 and 11 am today will test the coordination between traffic policemen, civil defence volunteers and various agencies that will be in charge of the road rationing system.

From tomorrow, those who violate the odd-even rule will be fined Rs. 2,000.

Exceptions have been made for medical emergencies, women, VIPs, CNG cars and two-wheelers. In response to a petition, the High Court has asked the government why women and two-wheelers are exempt.

Among those exempt is the Chief Justice of India, TS Thakur, who, however, says he will follow the rule. The US embassy has also said it will go by the rule.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government says the move to ban private cars on alternate days will drastically reduce air pollution in Delhi, which is more than 10 times the World Health Organization’s safe limits.

Some critics warn the measures will be unenforceable in a city where traffic rules are routinely flouted. Many believe residents could try to skirt the ban by forging number plates or buying second cars.

But even critics say the rule should be given a chance. “Odd-Even scheme should be given a fair chance, despite design and implementation flaws. We owe it to ourselves and future generations,” tweeted Yogendra Yadav, who was expelled by AAP earlier this year for indiscipline.

To cope with the extra pressure on the public transport network, Delhi’s government has hired around 3,000 private buses. Schools have been ordered to remain closed till January 15 so that their buses can also be pressed into service.

Around 8.5 million vehicles clog up Delhi’s roads and 1,400 new cars are being added every day as the city’s residents become more affluent. That has contributed to Delhi being the most polluted of 1,600 cities around the world that were surveyed by the WHO last year.

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Source:Ndtv