Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Goel released the findings of a survey claiming 68 per cent of the 4,700 respondents failed the Odd-Even 2 scheme of the Delhi government.
“There were six holidays from April 15-30, so practically only Odd-Even was implemented only for nine days. All the claims of decrease in pollution and traffic congestion were mainly in these holidays only. The people have outrightly rejected the Odd-Even scheme,” said Vijay Goal releasing the data of Lok Abhiyan.
He also claimed that the claims of decrease in congestion during the first part of the Odd-Even were false, as schools were closed. “If we add the weekend, Lohdi and Makar Sankranti, then government employees, small and large businesses and markets had holidays for 6 days,” said Goel adding, that the less traffic on holidays in being projected as an achievement by the government.
He alleged that the unsubstantiated allegations of being behind all mishaps during the scheme such as fire at the Bhalswa Jahangirpuri landfill site, breaking down of buses, auto rickshaws strike, traffic jams on roads; are sufficient to prove that the government itself considers it a huge failure.
In the survey, Goel claimed that people were anguished due to 13 reasons including starting the scheme without proper preparation, self publicity, exempted categories of vehicles, increased sale of old two wheelers and used cars, use of highly polluting taxis, fine of Rs 2,000. “People’s biggest concern is not that whether this scheme would get a third phase or not but the fact that because of this scheme the additional 30 per cent cars that Delhiites have bought will add to already congested roads post April 30,” he added.