NEW DELHI -- The Delhi Government has come up with the second phase of the odd-even scheme to be enforced from 15-30 April to check the pollution level in the city.
Announcing his government's decision at a press conference on Monday, Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai said, "Earlier, people wanted the rule to be brought back from 15 February, however, there was a question whether it should be implemented during the exam period, and a majority of people said it would create trouble. And thus, taking into consideration people's suggestion, the government has decided to bring the scheme back from 15-30 April."
Earlier, with the pollution reaching at an alarming level in Delhi, the government with the help of people successfully implemented the odd-even rule for the first time from 1 to 15 January, he said.
At that time, different people had different opinions and perceptions about the odd-even scheme, said the minister, adding that the rule was new to the people of Delhi, its success and failure; its plus and minus points.
"But after they participated in the first phase, we sought their opinion. And, more than 80 percent people wanted the odd-even to return. The sample size was of more than four lakhs people," he said.
"Today, we have called a first coordination meeting at the Delhi Secretariat, in which concerned officers of the Traffic Police, Revenue Department, Delhi Metro, DTC and Transport and Environment departments participated. We have started preparations for the second phase of the odd-even scheme from today (Monday), under which we will focus on two points," he said.
"First, we will continue with CNG contract carriage buses under the Paryavaran Bus service, the registration for which will take place at all DTC depots from 28 March to 14 April. They will be issued permits for 15 days by the Transport Department. The school buses will not be registered under the Paryavaran Bus service this time. Second, 50 percent seats will be reserved for women, and marshals will also be employed," he added.
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