Delhi may prevent entry of polluting vehicles during Commonwealth Games

To ease traffic and cut down vehicular pollution during the Commonwealth Games, the Delhi government is exploring a range of measures including restricting entry of polluting vehicles from neighbouring states.

A series of options were explored at a high-level meeting chaired by chief minister Sheila Dikshit, to ensure smooth traffic during the event like hiking parking fees to discourage use of private vehicles and strictly enforcing timings for plying of trucks.

Dikshit, observing that there will be an unprecedented increase in the quantum of traffic during the Games, said number of vehicles coming from neighbouring states could be minimised at least during the period of the event.

It was decided to contact the Chief Ministers of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to facilitate pollution check of vehicles coming to Delhi inside their states so that polluting vehicles could be stopped before entering Delhi, officials said.

The meeting was attended by top officials of PWD, MCD, NDMC, police and environment department. Scientists from Centre for Science and Environment also participated.

To cut down pollution level, a suggestion to shut down the coal-based Rajghat Power Station which generates 135 MW during the Games period was considered. It was also decided to intensify pollution checking of vehicles in Delhi.

Transport department officials told the meeting that restriction on plying of light vehicles carrying goods during day-time can also be considered. It also was suggested that in case of parking at unauthorised places, the amount of fine could be increased manifold.

The meeting also suggested that the work on Western Peripheral Expressway should be expedited to ensure its completion before October, 2010.

The chief minister underlined need for serious efforts to formulate a strategy to bring air pollution down, an official said.

It was informed that schools and colleges will remain closed during the Commonwealth Games, hence, 1,200 school buses and 2,500 maxi cabs will remain off the roads.

Transport department officials said integration of Metro services and bus routes will be possible at 43 points before October which will also help the commuters. In the meeting, Dikshit stressed on the need for short-term as well as long-term strategies to de-congest roads.

A need for separate lanes for pedestrians and non-motorised vehicles was suggested by several participants.

It was decided to have a joint survey with police to further streamline segregation of lanes on Shyama Prasad Mukherjee marg.