‘Selfish’ Delhi has shown the way: AAP govt on odd-even scheme

Delhi government on Friday thanked the people of the city for making “successful” the implementation of the ambitious odd-even scheme on the first day with chief minister Arvind Kejriwal saying he was “overwhelmed” by the response of Delhiites.

“We thank people of Delhi for making the scheme a success on the first day. The same Delhi, which was called selfish, has shown the way. We thank all people for choosing their children’s health,” Delhi’s transport minister Gopal Rai said.

He even said people have responded to environment-friendly drive the same way they came out to the streets during the anti-corruption movement three years ago.

“That time people of Delhi wanted a corruption-free city. Now they want a pollution-free city,” Rai told a press conference with PWD minister Satyendar Jain.

“It has become a movement and we are truly overwhelmed by the response we have received so far. Delhi will show way to the rest of the country,” Kejriwal said.

Read | Delhi odd-even scheme a success but cannot be permanent: Kejriwal

Jain, the nodal minister to deal with issues relating to environment, said a political party which ruled Delhi in the past only talked about the odd-even scheme but did not have the guts to implement it.

“No political party had guts to implement the odd-even policy. This is the first government (AAP) which has taken this step to clear Delhi’s polluted air for our children,” Jain said.

The transport minister urged the Centre and the BJP to extend their support to the drastic measure, saying the drive has become a “mass movement” and they should cooperate with it.

“This is not a fight between AAP and BJP or between Delhi and central government. This fight is against pollution and I appeal to BJP and Congress to come out and support this drive and make it a great success,” he said.

Read | Delhi’s odd-even plan: All you need to know about the formula

Rai, who criss-crossed areas across Delhi to take stock of the scheme’s implementation, also “wholeheartedly” thanked Delhi Police for ensuring implementing the scheme with total commitment.

“I would also like to thank Delhi Police, Enforcement wing of the transport department, sub divisional magistrates and civil defence volunteers for making the odd-even scheme a success.

“Some people are saying that the real test of this scheme will be on Monday when people in large numbers will go to work. I am confident that in coming days also Delhiites will continue to support our endeavor as they will choose health of their child over their comfort,” he added.

The government has challaned 66 autorickshaw drivers on the basis of complaints received by the a helpline launched on Thursday to ensure citizens do not face any hurdles in commuting, the minister said, adding around 200 complaints were received against autorickshaws.

Jain also said that we expected at least 10% of people to violate the rule but number of violations was less than one percent.

Read | Odd-even: BJP points to ‘problems’, Cong says ‘too early’ to comment