Car-Free Day: Delhi government seeks police cooperation

New Delhi, Dec 24: The Aam Aadmi Party government on Thursday asked the Centre and Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung to direct Delhi Police to support its Car-Free Day initiative in the national capital.

The request was made by Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai in letters to union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Jung. Rai also wrote to Delhi Police Commissioner B.S. Bassi in this connection.

The move came after police allegedly stopped two-wheelers and taxies and even buses from plying on a particular stretch in east Delhi's Laxmi Nagar area on the third Car-Free Day on December 22, leading to traffic snarls in nearby areas.

"The police officials were seen conveying that the traffic jam had happened due to the policies of the Delhi government. This act has put the Delhi government in a poor light, which could have been avoided," Rai said.

"...issue instructions to Delhi Police authorities to support the state government's efforts to reduce pollution in the capital city. I expect police will extend full cooperation in this endeavour in future," the Delhi minister added.

IANS