Odd-even for traffic management, not to contain pollution: Meenakshi Lekhi

NEW DELHI: The odd-even car rationing scheme is a formula for traffic management, and not a solution to Delhi's high level of pollution primarily due to dust and debris, BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi said today.

Her comments soon came after Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot announced that the car rationing scheme would be enforced in Delhi for a five-day period from November 13 after a spike in air pollution level.

"Odd-even formula can be a formula for traffic maintenance and management but not a formula to stop pollution," Lekhi, the New Delhi MP, told reporters here.

Air pollution in Delhi is primarily on account of dust particles, construction activities and debris, she said, adding that the menace was not because of vehicular emission.

Stating that pollution in Delhi is less than New York, she said debris is the main cause of pollution here while the it is due to gasses there.

Attacking the Arvind Kejriwal government, she asked what the AAP dispensation had done to contain construction dust and debris.

She pitched for augmenting public transport, proper waste management and containing encroachments to tackle the problem.

Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri said states should take legal action against stubble burning in their areas.

Besides, he said the people should be discouraged to use private cars and attracted to public transport as a measure to contain air pollution.

He also underlined the need for expediting work on the Metro Phase IV line and rapid rail system between the capital and Meerut to provide people a mode of public transport.

Asked about the recent hike in Metro fares, he said that 20 per cent discount -- ten per cent for metro card users and 10 per cent during off peak hours -- was being given to customers and advocated for the need to have "quality, affordability and reliability" of the transportation system.