Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Monday that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government will launch the ‘Red Light On, Gaadi Off’ campaign from October 21 to November 15.
He added that ‘Red Light On, Gaadi Off’ will be an awareness campaign and no enforcement will take place, adding that environmental marshals will give offenders red roses at traffic lights to raise awareness.
A government statement quoted Rai as saying that Delhi police have identified 100 key road signs and that the government will deploy a total of 2,500 environment marshals to carry out this campaign. The minister informed that the local SDM and the ACP traffic police will monitor this campaign and, if necessary, the deputy commissioner of the department of transport (compliance) will also supervise the campaign.
Rai also said that the Delhi government will write to all MPs, MLA, councilors, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), industrialists and other social agencies to participate in this campaign.
At a press conference Monday afternoon, Rai briefed the media on the looming dangers of pollution to the environment and the measures being taken to combat them.
“Very recently, the Honorable Chief Minister of Delhi, Shri Arvind Kejriwal launched a multi-campaign against pollution in the city, entitled“ Yudh Pradushan ke Virudh ”. The first phase of this general campaign aimed to reduce dust pollution. The Delhi government has cracked down on those who violated the rules, ”Rai said.
“On behalf of the Department of Environment, DPCC, DDA, Department of Irrigation and Floods, PWD, MCD, I appeal to all ongoing construction works, public or private, that Delhi is both yours and ours. We should all take responsibility. We are not in favor of taking harsh measures, however, to save lives during this pandemic, we are obliged to take strict measures, “he added.
Rai said that the decomposer produced by the Pusa Research Institute, which can turn straw and stubble into manure for later use, has been produced on a large scale and is being sprayed in various parts of the city to stop pollution caused by burning stubble and at the same time. time providing an effective alternative to it.
He said: “As part of the next phase, ‘Red light on; The Gaadi off ‘campaign was launched by the Honorable Chief Minister to curb pollution caused by burning fuel. A detailed and strategic meeting was convened on Friday to discuss planning for it. The meeting was attended by all interested departments, including the Environment, DPCC, Transportation, Traffic Police and Revenue officials. Orders were issued to present a detailed plan of action today. After detailed discussions and deliberations, it was decided that this campaign will be launched on the ground on October 21, 2020 and will continue until November 15, 2020 ”.
Rai said this campaign aims to initiate behavior change, adding that it is an awareness campaign and not an enforcement campaign.
“It is the campaign of the 2 million people in Delhi. People who are concerned about the catastrophic consequences that contamination may have amid the ongoing pandemic. This campaign is about taking possession, ”he also said.
He said: “This campaign will be effective from 8 in the morning until 8 at night. To this end, the Transport and Traffic Police has identified and submitted a list of a select group of 100 major traffic points, from 11 districts. It has been decided that this campaign will be carried out through these Marshals. “
The minister said that around 2,500 environmental marshals have been deployed at these crossings and t
“They will work in 2 shifts and 10 bailiffs will be stationed at each traffic point. The first shift will be from 8 am to 2 pm. And the other will be from 2pm to 8pm. Aside from this, places like ITO, which are slightly larger, will have twice as many civil defense officers. Ten of those locations have been identified. Around 2000 Marshalls for 100 crosses. 200 extra for the slightly older 10. 300 bailiffs have been kept as a reserve in case of need, ”he said.
Rai said these sheriffs have received extensive training and this training was carried out under the guidance and supervision of the district magistrates, traffic police officers and the department of vehicles.
Their activities will be monitored by SDM, ACP from the traffic police and, if necessary, DC from the Department of Transportation will also be deployed there. All 2500 Marshall will be wearing t-shirts, cap signs, and wearing posts to create maximum awareness. Following the principles of Gandhi, in the first 3 days, these bailiffs will give a rose flower to those who do not turn off the car at the red light. And it will invite you to participate in this quest for change. Your 2 minutes are vital to save the lives of many, “he said.
He said: “This campaign is promoted as a mass movement. Therefore, a letter will be written to all councilors, MLAs, MPs and officers to get involved and raise awareness in their regions. All political parties in Delhi will be requested by formal letter to participate in this campaign. In addition, all RWAs, market associations, ecoclub, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, NGOs, associations of leaders and unions will receive letters from the AAP government to be part of this campaign ”.
The minister said that this campaign requires a collaborative effort for the betterment of the citizens of Delhi.
“As mentioned above, vehicle pollution of 15-20% can be reduced through mass participation. We will also ask teachers to educate students in ongoing online classes on this. Children played an important role when we launched the odd pairs campaign. They would remind adults to follow the rules. Announcements, FM will be part of this execution. We believe this campaign will be a role model for this nation. Without causing any major obstacles, just by changing behavior, we can reduce the proportion of vehicle pollution in PM2.5, ”he said.
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