Delhi trials car ban in a bid to cut smog
Print Edition
MORE than a million private cars were banned from New Delhi’s roads yesterday as authorities began trialing drastic new measures to cut smog in the world’s most polluted capital.
For the next two weeks, only cars with odd-numbered license plates will be allowed on the roads on odd-numbered dates and those with even-numbered plates on the others to try to reduce pollutant levels which regularly hit 10 times the World Health Organization safe limits.
As the restrictions came into force yesterday, pollutant levels hit a “hazardous” 429 on the US embassy’s air quality index, indicating that everyone is at risk of respiratory problems and that children and older people should stay indoors.
Hundreds of police and volunteers took to the streets to enforce the scheme, including children wearing smog masks and holding banners urging drivers to comply.
Most drivers appeared to be adhering to the rule, 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 encouraging,” he added.
One early violator caught driving a car with an even-numbered license plate on a busy stretch of road was fined 2,000 rupees (US$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 their buses can be used for commuters.
The Delhi government says the measures could be introduced on a more permanent basis if successful, although there is a belief that residents could try to get around the restrictions by forging 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.
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