Delhi Commissioner Unveils Police Plan for Odd-Even Implementation

Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi talks about challenges to be faced by the force over the odd-even policy.

A glimpse of traffic on the roads of New Delhi. (Photo: iStockphoto)

With three days left for Delhi government’s odd-even plan to kick-in, Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi unveiled the police plans on actually implementing the policy.

Bassi spoke about what the plan will be, his views on getting volunteers, and also the proxy war that the Delhi police has with the AAP government.

In an interview with CNN-IBN, Bassi admitted that introducing the odd-even policy has caused both excitement and anxiety among the people of Delhi.

But on being asked how Delhi police plans to tackle the policy and its violators, Bassi said the traffic department is fully capable of implementing it.

Strategising and Training Volunteers

Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi is confident of implementing the odd-even policy. (Photo: PTI)

Bassi categorically stated that while he welcomes volunteers to help the traffic department, they will have to be briefed by Delhi police officials. He also clarified that any person who is not authorised by the traffic department will have no right to stop any vehicle. It will be a cognizable offence, he said.

<p>This rule applies to volunteers too. Such acts are an offence according to the Indian Penal Code and this will be considered a cognizable offence.</p>

<p>BS Bassi, Delhi Police Commissioner</p>

Bassi did admit that the force did not have sufficient amount of time to be well prepared.

The Delhi police department, he says, is in touch with government agencies to address safety concerns and also reduce emissions. However, one still needs to work out a long-term strategy to address pollution.

Exceptions From the Policy

Bassi said there still exist some issues on dealing with scenarios where someone is unwell, or of women travelling with drivers, for instance.

Bassi admitted that the force is still working with the government on scenarios where someone is unwell and has to travel in his or her own vehicle which might violate the policy.

He said the those enforcing the rule will try and accommodate such cases, making sure that such lenience is not misused.

<p>We still need advise on what should be done if there is a woman who cannot drive and is travelling with a male driver. We will see if, and how the rule can be amended. </p>

<p>BS Bassi, Delhi Police Commissioner</p>

When asked if overall implementation will be affected because the force is understaffed, Bassi said traffic management is a comprehensive activity – the traffic department has been managing speeding, rash driving etc. and this is just one of the tasks.

His overall motto, Bassi informed, would be

<p>Mobility with safety is my objective along with education and improving road engineering.</p>

Friction With the AAP Government

Bassi was also asked about his relations with Arvind Kejriwal’s government, but the commissioner refused to give it much importance.

<p>I have said earlier too, that their reactions are for entertainment. This is just for everyday drama. It adds spice. I would not like to pay attention to such comments.</p>

<p>BS Bassi, Delhi Police Commissioner</p>