'Enforcing ban on petrol, diesel vehicles can be a tough task'
NEW DELHI: The implementation of banning all private vehicles except those running on CNG would not be implemented before 48 hours, asserted the officials.
Sources in the government noted that this step might be very tough to implement for a city like Delhi. "We are ready to implement the odd-even scheme but halting all the diesel-petrol cars on a very short notice might be a bit challenging," said an official.
The latest suggestion by the Environment Protection Control Authority (EPCA) to ban all non-CNG vehicles in Delhi is yet another example of the bureaucracy's predilection for ad-hocism—where it is keen to be seen taking a decision, any decision, instead of finding solutions—that has the potential to add to the misery of the people.
In a letter to the chief secretary of Delhi, EPCA chairperson Bhure Lal has warned if the air quality remains poor, the only solution would be to take all vehicles running on petrol and diesel off the roads. He might have as well ordered anarchy on roads or a short-term curfew. For, if the ban is enforced, Delhi would either come to a standstill on its roads or be forced to stay indoors on an extended leave.
However, the EPCA is in agreement with the CPCB task force on the matter of allowing construction activity only during the daytime between 6 am - 6 pm. This direction must be complied with, the EPCA chairperson said.
The ban on construction activities and industries using coal and biomass was imposed from November 1-12 and a similar ban on the entry of heavy vehicles was imposed from November 8-12.
Lal also wrote to the joint commissioner of police (traffic), saying all trucks at the borders would be allowed to enter Delhi, but would not be asked to stop to pay toll or ECC from 11 pm on Monday to 7 am on Tuesday.
"By relaxing the payment of toll-ECC, the trucks can move without any stoppage and this will reduce congestion and reduce pollution. The SDMC is directed to issue the necessary orders so that no ECC or toll is collected for this limited period," the letter said.
He added that no new trucks would be allowed entry and the Delhi Police would increase its manpower at all entry points to ensure that there was no congestion.
"We will continue this restriction so that there is a large-scale diversion of trucks on the Western and Eastern expressways and other roads," it said.
