New Delhi : The second phase of Delhi’s odd-even traffic scheme aimed at battling pollution ended on Saturday evening with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal calling it a success even as there were concerns over the environmental impact of fires, including at two landfill sites.
The 15-day second phase scheme, which started on April 15, saw fewer traffic tickets compared to the first phase but also more traffic on Delhi roads. Unlike the first phase held between January 1 and 15 this year, it was held with schools open and in simmering heat. It also coincided with the parliament session. Some parts of the city reported congestion despite the scheme but there were stretches across the city where traffic moved swiftly, reports IANS. Kejriwal on Saturday congratulated the people of Delhi for the scheme’s “success”. “Today is the last day of Odd Even-II. Congratulations Delhi for again making it a success,” he said in a tweet. While leaders of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party hailed the scheme, the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress termed it a failure. Addressing a press conference in the afternoon, Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai said the scheme passed muster despite challenges.
“It was a difficult exercise this time but residents of Delhi voluntarily followed it and made it a success despite many challenges,” he said. Rai also said a decision on the third phase of the scheme will be taken after studying the impact of the previous two schemes. He announced the setting up of a six-member committee to make a comparative study and said it will give the report on May 9.
