Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal led a cycle rally on the capital’s first Car Free Day on Thursday, and said travelling needed to be made safe.
Over 100 cyclists joined Kejriwal in the rally held between the 17th century Red Fort in Old Delhi and India Gate, a World War I monument. He was accompanied by his ministers and other bureaucrats.
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He said there was too much congestion on Delhi roads that led to pollution in the city and that people needed to step forward to improve the condition.
Some 84 lakhs vehicles ply in Delhi every day, contributing to its chaotic traffic and worsening quality of air.
The Delhi CM said that cycling helped all even a diabetic like himself.
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A fellow cyclist Puneet, who is in his 40s, lauded the government’s efforts and urged it to hold the rally on Sundays.
Delhi’s Transport Minister Gopal Rai told IANS that “there is not much the government can do about pollution except organising such events.
“It is up to the people to use more and more public transport,” Rai said.
“The day is largely symbolic. We will not be able the assess the reduction in pollution on that stretch.”
The minister has announced that Delhi will mark a Car Free day on the 22nd of every month. The routes will be decided by the city government.