US, French embassies decide to 'voluntarily' support Delhi's odd-even plan

Delhi: The French and United States embassies have asked their employees to respect the odd-even plan, which was implemented on Friday with an aim to curb rising pollution in the capital city.

As per an Indian Express report, the US and French embassies have decided to voluntarily comply with the restrictions being implemented under the Delhi government’s odd-even policy from January 1-15 to control vehicular pollution, although embassies are exempted from it.

Acknowledging that the Delhi government’s initiative was aimed at curbing the city’s severe air pollution problems, the US Embassy said in a statement that although vehicles with diplomatic plates are officially exempted from this policy, it will take measures in support of efforts to reduce air pollution.

“For the duration of the policy… vehicles will comply, to the degree possible, with the odd/even restrictions. American employees are strongly encouraged to voluntarily cooperate with the odd/even policy. Many American diplomats will be carpooling or travelling by public transportation,” a statement from the US Embassy said.

The US Embassy also advised its supervisors to be flexible regarding transportation-induced delays.

Meanwhile, the French Embassy has also asked its employees to respect the odd-even policy “as far as possible”.

For 15 days from today, private vehicles will be allowed only on alternate days in a big step to clean up one of the world's most polluted capitals. Only odd-numbered cars are allowed on the roads today.

Those found violating the rule will be fined Rs. 2,000. Initially, the scheme will be on trial basis for 15 days.

VIPs, women drivers, CNG-certified vehicles, two-wheelers and those carrying the differently-abled are among the 25 categories that have been exempted from the scheme. However, the exemption will not apply to Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues as they have decided to abide by the rule.