Govt planning extn of odd-even scheme in NCR

Overwhelmed with the positive response of commuters on odd even scheme, Delhi government is planning to talk to the neighbouring states to extend it in satellite cities like Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Gurgaon.

Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai on Monday said the pollution levels in the city had come down ever since the odd-even formula was implemented from January 1 but a greater impact would be seen if the drive was also implemented in the satellite towns around Delhi like Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Gurgaon.

“The pollution levels have come down in Inner Delhi but the same cannot be said of Outer Delhi for various reasons, such as movement of trucks in these parts,” Gopal Rai said.

The minister said that after 15 days, the city government would reassess the situation and would try to get states bordering Delhi on board to implement the formula.

“After 15 days, we would speak with authorities in Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad etc to see if they can also adopt the odd-even formula. I think that would have an impact on the pollution levels in Delhi,” Rai asserted.

Rai further said that Delhi government will take this matter up at all appropriate forums to ensure air quality improves across the city and in the NCR areas. The pollution meter outside Delhi Secretariat read 382 for PM 2.5 and 543 for PM 10 at 2.23 pm on Monday.

Rai said he would also meet Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and would request him to expedite the peripheral highway project.

“Once the peripheral highway is operational, a large volume of trucks and other vehicles travelling to other states would not have to enter the national Capital. This will bring down pollution levels,” Rai pointed out.