On the first day of the controversial odd-even formula to curb vehicular pollution in Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal claimed that it was “by and large” a success.
On Friday he said, "I am truly overwhelmed by the response. People have achieved the impossible. I am sure Delhi will show the way."
Ministers of the AAP government along with party members were using #IamwithOddEven on Twitter to promote the initiative.
John Lennon "You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only 1 I hope some day you'll join us And the world will be as one" #IamWithOddEven
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 1, 2016
#OddEvenFormula till now was successful: Delhi Transport minister Gopal Rai on #IamWithOddEven pic.twitter.com/kqSeaFPFkp
— ronak joshi (@ronakjosi) January 1, 2016
Pollution in Delhi has started to fall. Where there's a will, there's a way. #IamWithOddEven pic.twitter.com/o9h2LNsyhw
— Ankit Lal (@ankitlal) January 1, 2016
.@msisodia interacting with Civil Defense volunteers who are helping implement the Odd Even policy. #IamWithOddEven pic.twitter.com/2sB8PdYnhx
— Aam Aadmi Party- AAP (@AamAadmiParty) January 1, 2016
#IamWithOddEven Civil Defence volunteers holding placards & giving roses to few violators. pic.twitter.com/5f1jqXu13P
— MOUMITA CHOWDHURY (@immoumita) January 1, 2016
Smooth traffic at ITO at 9:55AM. Grand success for Even Odd Plan. pic.twitter.com/jrvbG9aSpS #iWorkForPolutionFreeDelhi #IamWithOddEven
— रोहित सैनी (@AAPROHIT245) January 1, 2016The odd-even formula – in which odd and even numbered cars would run on alternate – is to be trialed for 15 days, after which the state government would take a call on extending it.
NDTV reported that the CM who himself had an odd-numbered vehicle carpooled with two other ministers Gopal Rai, the Transport Minister, and Health Minister Satyendar Jain.
Delhi government ministers including the Delhi CM were not exempted from this rule while ministers of the union government and chief ministers of every state and union territory are exempted as VIPs.
It was previously reported that in order to make this move to curb air pollution successful, the Delhi government had hired an additional 3,000 private buses to boost the already existing public transport system. Metros will also run in maximum frequency to meet the demand.
In this trial run, women, who are either driving alone or are commuting with other women are exempted along with emergency vehicles, VIPs, CNG cars and two-wheelers..
A section of the people pointed out that since it is New Year’s Day, it would be too early to deem the move as a success.
Earlier on Thursday, the CM met Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured Kejriwal of the Centre's support in its initiative. In the past, the Delhi government had public disagreement over many issues with the police which are under the centre.
Delhi Police Chief BS Bassi said, "I request people to cooperate with us for the next 15 days."
Television reports showed, volunteers on the ground along with the police assisted the public on informing them about the scheme. Offenders of the rule will be slapped a fine of Rs 2,000.