Fourth 'car-free day' observed in Delhi

The fourth 'car-free day' - an initiative by the Delhi government to check rising air pollution and free roads of congestion - was observed in a part of the capital city on Friday.

The car-free day was observed from the Vishwavidyalaya Metro station's Gate No.3 to Chhatrasal Stadium traffic signal, a six-km stretch in north Delhi.

Delhi Transport Minister Gopla Rai said: "Next car-free day will be organised in south Delhi. We are taking every initiative to bring down the air pollution level in the city."

He also announced that the government would start a tree plantation drive across the city from the next car-free day.

The event was observed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and was marked by a cycle rally led by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia with participation of the teachers and students of Delhi University.

Sisodia said Delhi Police were not cooperating properly in the initiative as he spotted some cars on the car-free stretch.

"I can see some cars plying on the car-free stretch. This is police's responsibility to ensure that people follow the exercise to make Delhi pollution free. Police should cooperate in making such events a success," Sisodia said.

The first car-free day was held on October 22 on the Red Fort-India Gate stretch, the second in Dwarka on November 22, and the third in Lakshmi Nagar on December 22.

The car-free day, held on the 22nd of every month, was launched by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in October last year to create awareness about using public transport and thus bringing down pollution levels in the city.