New Delhi: Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said that the odd-even traffic regulation system is not a permanent solution to the menace of air pollution in NCR-Delhi, and neither is the 15-day clean-air campaign launched in the national capital on Saturday. The Delhi CM called for a scientific study of the sources of pollution in the city round the year.
The “Clean air for Delhi” campaign was launched jointly by Union environment minister Harsh Vardhan and Mr Kejriwal to find a permanent solution to pollution in national capital region, including Delhi, through experiments and an awareness drive over 15 days.
“This drive will not remain confined to 15 days. It is also not the permanent solution to the air pollution in Delhi. Earlier, we had odd-even traffic scheme, which is also not a permanent solution to the issue,” Mr Kejriwal said.
He said a scientific analysis of pollution sources in NCR was required round the year. “Studies should be conducted round the year on the pollution sources,” the chief minister added.
The campaign will carry on till February 23. As many as 70 teams with officials from the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, civic bodies, Delhi Police and NGOs have been formed for the campaign. The official added that a workshop on vehicular pollution and traffic management will also be held. The teams will encourage Resident Welfare Associations to plant saplings in open areas and also encourage schools and colleges to increase the green cover on campus. A mobile app was jointly launched on the occasion.
The campaign’s outcome will help the ministry to form a larger policy framework to apply throughout the year as a permanent solution to air pollution, he added.
