In a move to curb pollution, the Delhi government on Friday proposed a 'odd/even' number formula for cars. The move is planned to be rolled out from January 1, 2016. According to the proposal, cars with odd number plate and even number plate will ply on roads on alternate days
As per Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's plan, odd-numbered cars will be allowed to ply on odd dates while even-numbered vehicles will run on even dates. Both odd and even numbered cars will be allowed to ply on Sundays.
Under fire for announcing a major decision without a blueprint, Delhi Minister Satyendra Jain said that they will be ready much before January 1, 2016 to implement the move.
Here is the full text of the interview:
CNN-IBN: You are the head of the steering committee now. What will be your major responsibilities?
Satyendra Jain: Pollution levels in Delhi is alarming. We want to reduce it at any cost. You can achieve anything if it is important for you. We have to make the people of Delhi aware. Till date, pollution has not been a major issue with Delhites. People are discussing it for the past three - four days that pollution is killing. Today they might say pollution is one among the top five issue, but it was not always so. Pollution has to be on top of our agenda. Pollution and health are interlinked.
CNN-IBN: Many people feel that some steps have to be taken but perhaps the Government has not made adequate preparations for implementation (odd/even formula)?
Satyendra Jain: No day is perfect. You can keep a date that comes after one year, 10 years. This is not a new idea. This has been postponed for the past 20 years. This has been implemented in many cities (across the world) and even in Delhi, there have been discussions for years. If you have to learn to swim, you have to plunge into water.
CNN-IBN: When it comes to exemptions, there is a talk about women traveling in the night being exempted, about emergency vehicles being exempted. How will you decide that?
Satyendra Jain: These are on going discussions. These are all suggestions. Very soon, things will be finalised. We will keep the problems of people in mind. It is not our intention to create problems for the citizen, it is to fight pollution and make the citizen aware. People are already tweeting - why wait till January 1, I will start from December 9, and they have already started car-pooling.
CNN-IBN: What about concerns of DMRC, DTC that they will not be able to take the extra load of passengers?
Satyendra Jain: I am in talks with DTC, cluster buses, DMRC, no one has said they will not be able to do more. They are happy that the government is taking these steps, and we will give them a better than before public transport system. We are committed to that.
CNN-IBN: But, will you be ready by January 1?
Satyendra Jain: We will be ready before January 1.
CNN-IBN: Will this rule be applicable to two-wheelers, vehicles not having Delhi registration numbers?
Satyendra Jain: Policy will be implemented from January 1. All details are being finalised and we should be able to tell you by December 25. If people will be unhappy, they will also be happy - getting to use public transport after 20 years, reconnect with the larger society.
CNN-IBN: What about those who have the same odd or even number cars? What about BPO employees who take one car in the evening and return by the same the next morning? These are practical difficulties.
Satyendra Jain: I am not denying. We will solve all issues. We are flexible. This (odd/even formula) will impact pollution levels. This is measurable.
CNN-IBN: You will meet Nitin Gadkari, Arvind Kejriwal will meet Rajnath Singh - you need the Central government's support. If it decides this is not possible, how will you implement it?
Satyendra Jain: Why do you assume that the Central government will not cooperate? This country belongs to all, Delhi belongs to all, it is the capital of the country, the heart of the country. Central government is equally responsible as state government. They will definitely cooperate and more than we expect.
CNN-IBN: There is also some criticism that you haven't spoken to Delhi Police? Who will implement your plan?
Satyendra Jain: Again, who told you this? I have already asked for a meeting.
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