Pollution came down in odd-even first phase: Kejriwal

New Delhi, April 13 (

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said the pollution level in the city had come down by at least 13 percent during the first phase of the odd-even vehicle scheme.

"According to Fortune magazine, the pollution was reduced in Delhi by 13 per cent. There is a range of data, some claiming 20 percent while others claim 25 per cent reduction in pollution during the first phase of odd-even," Kejriwal said, while administering a pledge to school children for making Delhi pollution-free.

Citing figures to show that sale of petrol and diesel in the national capital was reduced by 40 percent during the first phase, Kejriwal said it clearly indicates that pollution was reduced.

Speaking to students two days before the second phase of the odd-even scheme kicks off, Kejriwal urged students to go in for car pooling during the second phase.

Kejriwal, along with Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and state Transport Minister Gopal Rai, was addressing students at Sarvodya Kanya Vidyalaya, Moti Bagh, here.

The second phase of the odd-even traffic scheme is to be implemented in the national capital from April 15 to 30.

The odd-even vehicle scheme could be enforced for a fortnight every month in the national capital if the second phase beginning from April 15 is also a success, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Wednesday.

"The second phase of the odd-even scheme is very important. If it turns out to be successful, we are thinking of implementing it for 15 days every month," Kejriwal said.

He was speaking at a function held at the Indira Gandhi indoor stadium here to administer oath to officials and civil defence volunteers, Delhi Transport Corporation marshals and ex-servicemen, who would be involved in the scheme's implementation. 

Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai was also present on the occasion. 

Kejriwal also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and central ministers to follow the odd-even scheme voluntarily.

"I strongly believe that like the first phase in January, the second phase too will be successful" he said.

Under the odd-even scheme, four-wheelers with odd registration numbers will ply on odd dates and those with even numbers on even dates. Certain categories like CNG vehicles, ambulances, vehicles driven by women etc have been exempted.