New Delhi: Faced with both support and criticism over the practicality of his odd-even formula to curb Delhi's rising levels of air pollution, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal appears to be on an overdrive to help the initiative become a success.
The Delhi CM today recorded an audio message urging the residents of Delhi to give the 'odd-even' restriction on plying of vehicles a chance. This, even as top officials brainstormed over its modalities.
Responding to the Delhi Police's contention that they had not been approached by the government seeking assistance in enforcing the new rules, Delhi Home Minister Satyender Jain asserted that the police was a part of government and "not the government" in itself. “It is police's responsibility to implement the law enacted by the government,” he said.
In his message, which will be released tomorrow, Kejriwal has sought the people's for the success of the proposal. The CM has said that the new rules will apply to him as well as his ministers, a senior government official said.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Gopal Rai has said that government will come out with a "foolproof plan" before December 25.
Jain also told a TV channel that the odd-even formula will not be applicable on two-wheelers running in the national capital, which was later downplayed by the government, saying the details were yet to be worked out.
"The odd-even formula will only be applicable on private cars plying in Delhi. For now, the movement of two-wheelers, taxis, autos will be not be restricted on alternate days under this formula," the minister told a tv channel.
Kejriwal has called a review meeting with concerned ministers and officials tomorrow wherein the detailed plan will be put before the CM. A preparatory committee chaired by Jain that has prepared a detailed report on the matter met ahead of tomorrow's meet.
Jain is also scheduled to meet Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari tomorrow.
Meanwhile, a senior official of Delhi Traffic Police said that clarity eluded them regarding the legal provisions under which violators of the odd-even formula will be prosecuted. "They (the government) are yet to approach us for a reasonable discussion on the scheme, which is imperative for its implementation," he said.
Delhi's air quality continued to plunge as it entered the 'severe' category in places across the city, with real time readings showing PM 2.5 five times above the prescribed limit at times, which has the potential to affect healthy people and "seriously impact" those with existing respiratory ailments.
