Second car-free day observed in Delhi on November 22

Chief Minister Kejriwal says that reducing the number of cars can significantly bring down pollution levels in the city
Car free day will be observed on the 22nd of every month in New Delhi. Credit: Usman Nasim, CSE
Car free day will be observed on the 22nd of every month in New Delhi. Credit: Usman Nasim, CSE
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After a 60-per cent reduction in pollution levels was recorded on the first car-free day held on October 22, between Red Fort and India Gate in New Delhi, the initiative was taken forward by the state government on November 22. The stretch between sectors 3-13 and 7-9 in Dwarka in West Delhi was declared car-free, aimed at reducing pollution and congestion and raising awareness about the issue. The day was marked by a six-kilometre cycle rally, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Transport Minister Gopal Rai and others.

Referring to the pollution monitoring done by Delhi-based non-profit Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) that recorded a 60 per cent drop in levels, Kejriwal said, “It is clear now that transport is the prime contributor of pollution. If we can reduce the number of cars on road, we can reduce pollution in the city significantly.”

The monitoring in October was done by comparing pollution levels on the car-free day, to the levels in the same area, a day before. CSE’s study was further supported by the city-wide official ambient monitoring done by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee which showed an overall drop of 45 per cent in PM2.5 levels in the city.

Car-free day is observed on the 22nd of every month in different parts of Delhi. Transport Minister Rai announced that the next car-free day, due on December 22, will be organised in East Delhi in the Patparganj area.

Kejriwal added that car-free day should be observed across the city on January 22. “I appeal people to go to their offices by cycle or public transport on that day. I will also go to my office on cycle. If 5 to 10 per cent of people follow our appeal and use cycle and public transport, it will be big achievement for us,” he said.

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