Smoggy Delhi turns road into ‘car-free’ zone
Print Edition
The Indian capital held its first “car-free day” yesterday to try to improve New Delhi’s notoriously filthy air, but motorists were seen ignoring signs to keep off the roads.
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal flagged off the initiative by cycling along what would normally be one of the city’s busiest roads, flanked by a couple of hundred bureaucrats and bicycle enthusiasts.
Around 8.5 million autos ply the city’s roads, which are considered highly unsafe for both pedestrians and cyclists.
Authorities have been criticized for failing to curb pollution, in a city ranked by the World Health Organization as having the worst air quality in the world.
Yesterday’s voluntary initiative, lasting five hours, was held on a public holiday when most offices and schools are shut and traffic is thinner anyway.
Cars were seen using a designated “car-free” stretch — running from the historic Red Fort to India Gate — ignoring volunteers on foot who were encouraging them to turn back.
Delhi’s government is determined to push ahead with the initiative, planning a “car-free day” once a month.
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