Delhi odd-even scheme: Chaos on borders with Haryana, UP

NEW DELHI: The city’s borders witnessed rampant violations of the odd-even scheme as there were hardly any enforcement teams present in places like Badarpur, Mahipalpur and Dwarka Mor. Those who were caught violating the norms feigned ignorance, while those driving CNG-run cars assumed they were exempt like the two earlier editions of the road rationing scheme.
Around 10am at Badarpur border, TOI saw dozens of vehicles entering from Haryana bearing odd numberplates.While there were no enforcement teams there, the SDM of the area, however, was seen catching violators near Sarita Vihar metro station.
Mohammad Akram (28), who was taking his wife and child to Kalawati Hospital, was directed to park his vehicle at the nearest metro station and take public transport instead. “My daughter was not feeling well. We were not aware of the regulations,” he added. An official said relief could be granted in extreme cases on a humanitarian basis.
A traffic policeman stationed near Mahipalpur flyover said no challans were being issued on the first day of the mega exercise. “Our seniors have directed us to let the violators go with a warning. Today’s exercise is for awareness,” he added.
At the Kaushambi border in Ghaziabad, volunteers had lined up forming a human chain to stop violators. “We turned back about a thousand cars from East Delhi Mall border,” said Prateek Mathur, a volunteer.
Vijendra, a native of Rohtak, said he was unaware that CNG cars were also not allowed to ply. “We will be cautious in future,” he added.
The Noida-Delhi border witnessed fewer traffic jams on Monday as traffic was cut by half due to the rationing. Traffic cops said around six lakh vehicles travel between Noida and Delhi using DND Flyway, Mahamaya flyover and Noida entry gate daily. SP (traffic) Anil Jha said that school and college vans and buses were also not on the roads as the institutions are closed till November 5.
In Gurgaon, civil defence personnel were present at several places, including Sirhaul toll, Rajokri flyover, Kapashera, Arjangarh metro station and Aya Nagar to spread awareness. Working in two shifts, they stood holding placards, advising people to follow the odd-even scheme. “We gave advice to 150 violators during my shift,” said Deepak Tyagi, who was stationed near Arjangarh metro station.
Commuters heading towards Ambience Mall in Gurgaon had a difficult time as they were penalised for crossing the Sirhaul border and taking a U-turn below Rajokri flyover, the only route through which the mall could be accessed. Scared of being challaned, many motorists drove on the wrong side to visit the mall.