In view of the increasing pollution in the New Delhi, the 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign starts today from 18th October to November 18. Under this campaign, 2500 Civil Defense Volunteers will be deployed at 100 intersections in Delhi. 10 volunteers will be deployed at 90 intersections of Delhi and 20 civil defense environmental marshals will be deployed at 10 main intersections. This campaign will run from 8 am to 8 pm, while pamphlets of 'Appeal to the public on behalf of the Chief Minister' will also be distributed at the intersections.
The government has launched this campaign in 2020. They requested motorists to turn off the ignition of their vehicles while waiting at the traffic signals across the city, to save fule and reduce the pollution.
The AQI has increased due to increasing incidents of stubble burning in neighboring states. He also urged the governments of neighboring states to adopt a responsible approach. Gopal Rai said that it is a common practice that as the incidents of stubble burning increase in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and punjab, the air quality in Delhi starts deteriorating, said Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said, “We had started the Red Light on, Gaadi off initiative last year. This will begin again from 18th October, as soon as you stop at a Red signal, turn down the engines of your vehicle. You can begin today itself, though it'll be formally launched on 18th."
He further said, "We should decide to not take out our vehicle at least once a week and travel on the bus, metro or share with others. Experts say that if we do this, pollution can be brought down and fuel can be saved."
Also, he asked people to download the Green Delhi app and complain against the vehicle or industry that is causing pollution.
The 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign was launched by Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai last year. Rai also said that if two crore people of Delhi contribute responsibly in this campaign, then vehicle pollution in the city can be reduced by 15-20%.