Kejriwal calls on Delhiites to make 'Odd-Even' formula a success

Kejriwal calls on Delhiites to make Odd-Even formula a success
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Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, said on Wednesday that the odd-even car formula to control pollution in the world\'s most polluted city could be a success if the citizens took it as a personal responsibility.

New Delhi : Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, said on Wednesday that the odd-even car formula to control pollution in the world's most polluted city could be a success if the citizens took it as a personal responsibility.

Kejriwal was interacting with students at a New Delhi school about the various measures initiated by the government to cut down pollution in the national capital.

"This initiative will only be successful once it becomes a very big movement, when people will want to do this from their hearts. We do not have to do this because Kejriwal is saying this; we do not have to do this because it is being forced upon us by the government; we have to do this because we feel that this is important for our lives and our health," said Kejriwal.

Accompanying Kejriwal were Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Transport Minister Gopal Rai.

Under the odd-even initiative, fuel-based private vehicles with odd and even numbers will run on alternate days, even numbered vehicles on even dates and odd numbered on odd dates, on a trial basis for a fortnight beginning January 01, 2016 to battle rising pollution in the city.

The intention is to cut vehicle emissions - arguably one of the largest causes of air pollution in the city - by half.

The government has exempted women, VVIPs, police, paramilitary forces, emergency services like ambulances, fire brigade, gas-run private vehicles etc.

Kejriwal also administered an oath to the students wherein they pledged to keep the capital clean and do their bit to make the government's ambitious plan a success by convincing their parents and others to follow it.

Stating that he and his cabinet ministers were planning to car pool, Kejriwal encouraged people to take up the pollution control measure.

According to a study by World Health Organisation (WHO) last year 13 of the world's 20 most polluted cities are in India, with New Delhi being the worst.

Courts have stepped in, banning the sale of luxury diesel vehicles and demanding a tax on trucks entering the city.

A fine of 2,000 rupees ($30.30) will be imposed on offenders.

Experts say the city of 16 million needs a permanent ban on diesel cars, which are seen as most polluting and other measures to reduce spiralling vehicle emissions. Campaigners are calling for steps like a parking cess and an annual tax on all cars.
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