Delhi govt's odd-even formula will be a 'dismal failure': Sheila Dikshit

Delhi government's odd-even formula to combat the soaring air pollution in the city will turn out to be a "dismal failure", former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said today, adding that the plan would only add to the woes of the commuters.

"AAP government's odd-even formula will be a dismal failure. The move will have no effect on the rising air pollution levels in the national capital.

"Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's stand on this formula is not clear. The fact that he announced this measure only for 15 days, proves that he himself is doubtful about its success. I feel that it will also lead to corruption," she said.

Delhi government's ambitious scheme, set to roll out from January 1 for 15 days, has been proposed to curb pollution in the national capital by restricting movement of private vehicles based on their registration numbers.

VIPs, women drivers, CNG-certified vehicles, two-wheelers and those carrying the differently-abled are among the 25 categories exempted from the scheme.

Speaking at the national conference organised by a private university here, the senior Congress leader said that the plan will lead to more traffic jams on the roads of Delhi.

"Moreover, even the vehicles entering Delhi from outside the city will be affected. Where will they park their cars? Even involving volunteers in the plan is without merits, as they will not be provided with any training," she said.

The three-time chief minister noted that the ruling AAP government should have thought through the plan rather than implementing half-baked ideas.

She stated that only Congress government can do justice to a city like Delhi, whereas other governments can only give tall promises.

Dikshit, who saw a crushing defeat to Kejriwal in 2013 Assembly elections, said, "Congress is the one that takes along 'aam' (commoners) and 'khas' (elite). The party also believes in the power of women. We believe that given the right and equal opportunities, women can build a better world."

Also present on the occasion, Shivraj Patil, former Punjab governor, said, "Our efforts to build a better society should go beyond our homes, country. Environment protection is not an individual pursuit, it should be a united effort."