Delhi begins car rationing to curb pollution

AFP, NEW DELHI: More than a million private cars were banned from New Delhi's roads on Friday, as authorities began trialling drastic new measures to cut smog in the world's most polluted capital.
For 15 days from January 1, only cars with odd-numbered licence plates will be allowed on the roads on odd-numbered dates and those with even-numbered plates on the other days to try to reduce pollutant levels which regularly hit 10 times the World Health Organization safe limits.
As the restrictions came into force on Friday morning, pollutant levels hit a "hazardous" 429 on the US embassy's air quality index, meaning everyone is at risk of respiratory problems and children and older people should stay indoors.
Hundreds of traffic police and volunteers took to the streets to enforce the scheme including dozens of children wearing smog masks and holding banners urging drivers to comply.
Most drivers appeared to be adhering to the rule Friday, with Delhi's usually clogged roads flowing relatively freely.
"Delhi has done it!" tweeted the city's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who said he was carpooling with colleagues to get to work. "Reports so far v encouraging," he added.
One early violator caught driving a car with an even-numbered licence plate on a busy stretch of road was fined 2,000 rupees ($30) and ordered to return home.
"I would have expected to catch at least dozens in the first half an hour, but surprisingly most people are obeying," said Ankit Kumar, a traffic policeman.
The restrictions, which run until January 15 on a trial basis, are part of a wider drive aimed at cutting pollution that also includes shutting some coal-fired power plants and vacuuming roads to reduce dust.
Schools have been ordered to remain closed for the period so that their buses can be used to ferry commuters to work.
The Delhi government says the measures could be introduced on a more permanent basis if successful, although some believe city residents could try to get around the restrictions by forging number plates or buying second cars.
The scheme will be truly tested on Monday, when millions of commuters will have to find alternative ways to get to work after the long New Year weekend.
Many residents AFP spoke to said they were willing to do their part.
"We are ready to travel in public transportation as long as there aren't any hassles," said Pallavi Agarwal, a 37-year-old doctor, as she stepped out of her SUV with her four-year-old son and husband.
"Pollution is a real health concern and we have to do something."

 

Delhi begins car rationing to curb pollution

AFP, NEW DELHI: More than a million private cars were banned from New Delhis roads on Friday, as authorities began trialling drastic new measures to cut smog in the worlds most polluted capital. For 15 days from January 1, only cars with odd-numbered licence plates will be allowed on the roads on odd-numbered dates and those with even-numbered plates on the other days to try to reduce pollutant levels which regularly hit 10 times the World Health Organization safe limits. As the restrictions came into force on Friday morning, pollutant levels hit a hazardous 429 on the US embassys air quality index, meaning everyone is at risk of respiratory problems and children and older people should stay indoors. Hundreds of traffic police and volunteers took to the streets to enforce the scheme including dozens of children wearing smog masks and holding banners urging drivers to comply. Most drivers appeared to be adhering to the rule Friday, with Delhis usually clogged roads flowing relatively freely. Delhi has done it! tweeted the citys Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who said he was carpooling with colleagues to get to work. Reports so far v encouraging, he added. One early violator caught driving a car with an even-numbered licence plate on a busy stretch of road was fined 2,000 rupees ($30) and ordered to return home. I would have expected to catch at least dozens in the first half an hour, but surprisingly most people are obeying, said Ankit Kumar, a traffic policeman. The restrictions, which run until January 15 on a trial basis, are part of a wider drive aimed at cutting pollution that also includes shutting some coal-fired power plants and vacuuming roads to reduce dust. Schools have been ordered to remain closed for the period so that their buses can be used to ferry commuters to work. The Delhi government says the measures could be introduced on a more permanent basis if successful, although some believe city residents could try to get around the restrictions by forging number plates or buying second cars. The scheme will be truly tested on Monday, when millions of commuters will have to find alternative ways to get to work after the long New Year weekend. Many residents AFP spoke to said they were willing to do their part. We are ready to travel in public transportation as long as there arent any hassles, said Pallavi Agarwal, a 37-year-old doctor, as she stepped out of her SUV with her four-year-old son and husband. Pollution is a real health concern and we have to do something.