Delhi ready for 'Odd-Even' scheme: Manish Sisodia

With 'Odd-Even' scheme rolling out early this morning, Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia said that the national capital was ready for the ambitious scheme of the Delhi Government to curb pollution.

"I am very confident that Delhi people would like to give their loved ones a New Year gift-pollution free environment. The Odd-Even rule is a just a step towards this. From last three-four days, I have been realizing that New Delhi is ready for this rule," Sisodia told ANI.

"I have an odd-numbered car and I would be using that on odd dates. While on even days, I would be using my bicycle to go to office. From there, if I would have to go somewhere, then I would pool in with my colleagues," he added.

Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra on Friday also said the formula is working very successfully and there are less vehicles on roads.

"The odd-even formula seems to be working very well in Delhi. We can see very less vehicles on road and it's a different Delhi altogether," Kapil Mishra said who rode a bike to work.

He also asserted that many foreigners working in the embassies, women have assured that they would also abide by this rule despite being exempted from this rule.

However, there is also criticism to the scheme that it has encouraged people to purchase another vehicle.

"People are buying more vehicles and the pollution level will rise further. Those having odd-numbers are buying even number cars and those having even numbers are buying odd number cars," said Himanshu, a Delhi resident.

For 15 days from today, private vehicles will be allowed only on alternate days in a big step to clean up the world's most polluted capital. Only odd-numbered cars are allowed on the roads today.

Those found violating the rule will be fined Rs. 2,000. Initially, the scheme will be on trial basis for 15 days.

The VIPs, women drivers, CNG-certified vehicles, two-wheelers and those carrying the differently-abled are among the 25 categories which are exempted from the scheme. However, the exemption will not apply to Delhi Chief Minister and his Cabinet colleagues as they have decided to abide by the rule.