The Delhi government’s much talked about odd-even scheme kicked off today at 8 am, amidst much apprehension about its plausibility. In a bid to curb the rapidly deteriorating air pollution in Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal’s odd-even scheme in which private vehicles are allowed to run every alternate day, had odd numbered cars plying today.
Delhites seem to be embracing the scheme, appreciating how the normal maddening Delhi traffic was significantly less and roads were emptier.
Since Last 8-9 years I have Never seen Delhi Cantt Road like this !! Thank you Mr. CM Kejriwal #IamWithOddEvenpic.twitter.com/90GwP5tFOm
— Amit (@Ikumar7) January 1, 2016
Ad Chini crossing at 10:52am ... just a handful cars as opposed to a deluge of traffic. Am I dreaming ? pic.twitter.com/QjdePUsNPl
— Vishnu Som (@VishnuNDTV) January 1, 2016
Its all odd at Noida Delhi road. pic.twitter.com/rzyKg5pJlc
— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) January 1, 2016
Offenders who used even-numbered cars today were fined 2000 rupees, among who was BJP parliamentarian Satyapal Singh.
In an effort to make this pilot project a success, public transport has been augmented by 3000 more buses, special buses travelling between Gurgaon, Delhi and Noida and a bike taxi service has been made available to people. The metro which shoulders a significant burden of everyday commute, will make 70 extra trips.
To set an example of efficient functioning of the scheme, Arvind Kejriwal who has an odd numbered car, carpooled with Gopal Rai, the Transport Minister, and Health Minister Satyendar Jain.
Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal along with @AapKaGopalRai and @SatyendarJain carpooling on way to work. pic.twitter.com/cxnKLNkS3I
— Delhi Transport (@TransportDelhi) January 1, 2016
While tourism minister Kapil Mishra rode a motorcycle to work, Environment Minister Imran Hussain who owns an even numbered car took an autorickshaw.
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Environment Minister @ImranHussainAAP travels to his Secretariat office in E-Rikshaw.
#IamWithOddEvenpic.twitter.com/LekrfMxUKI
— Delhi Transport (@TransportDelhi) January 1, 2016
There has been some general confusion as to how the system would work as women, VIPs, CNG cars, two wheelers and those with medical emergencies are exempt from the odd even rule.
Still not clear. Is a woman with male chauffeur or driver exempt from #OddEven rule in Delhi? @sharmanagendar
— Madhavan Narayanan (@madversity) January 1, 2016
While #OddEven targets only those who can afford one car and no more, it exempts almost 95% including VIPs, super-rich. Truly a mass drive
— Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) January 1, 2016
@TheRahulMehra Voluntarily? Wow! Haven't got much of an option when the fine is 2000, have we?
— Kshitij Maheshwari (@kshitijtweets) January 1, 2016
Now i understand difference between Suffer and सफर ।
Crowded DTC buses. I don't know that #IamWithOddEven or not
— Tusharkumar (@tusharkumr) January 1, 2016
The novelty of the scheme is causing initial hiccups but people seem to be optimistic about the scheme’s efficacy and its objective of getting pollution under control.
First day, first show: looks like @ArvindKejriwal odd even scheme could be a winner! Key test on Monday the 4th!
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) January 1, 2016
I congratulate whole heartedly Delhi CM in initiating a good scheme odd even formula..everything starts with a step forward @ArvindKejriwal
— K Paul Nirmal Kumar (@paulnirmal07) January 1, 2016
Dilliwallahs, lets make the odd even scheme work for the sake of our lungs, kids, safety on the roads!
— Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) January 1, 2016
Reached work in less than an hr. Saw some defaulters but mostly happy with the response. Keeping the cynic away #IamWithOddEven#weneedthis
— Meghna nijhawan (@meghnanijhawan) January 1, 2016
Just travelled Gurgaon to Saket using @Olacabs. Not a single even no. Car on roads. Less traffic. Kudos @ArvindKejriwal. #IamWithOddEven
— Ankur Mishra (@iAnkurMishra) January 1, 2016
Volunteers poured out onto the road to help out traffic police in implementing the plan.
SDM Shahdara checking arrangements at Delhi-UP border for implementation of #OddEvenFormulapic.twitter.com/QMrpTbup5C
— Delhi Transport (@TransportDelhi) January 1, 2016
The scheme is to be implemented till 8pm on weekdays but Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has already declared the scheme a success.
Delhi has done it! Reports so far v encouraging. Delhiites! U give me hope that U are capable of achieving big challenges
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 1, 2016
According to NDTV, he said "I am truly overwhelmed by the response. People have achieved the impossible. I am sure Delhi will show the way."
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