New Delhi: Gandhigiri was on display at the car-free stretch between Red Fort and India Gate on Thursday with transport department staff and volunteers offering roses to those reluctant to put breaks on their vehicles.
An official said the Aam Aadmi Party volunteers bought around 600 rose stems to politely convey the message. Transport Department's own security personnel and AAP volunteers were deployed on seven crossings falling on the route. They were also spotted struggling with people who wanted to enter the car-free stretch with their cars.
"Government did not put any restriction on private vehicles on the car-free stretch as it does not have power to do the same on its own. In view of this, we resorted to 'Gandhigiri' and greeted with roses those who decided not to put breaks on the vehicles on this stretch," official said.
The official also said that most people, who had wanted to ply their vehicles on Red Fort-India Gate stretch, relented when they were greeted with roses. Transport Minister Gopal Rai said that government did not impose any restriction on anyone wanting to enter with his or her car on the stretch because participation in the event was voluntary.
"Pollution is increasing rapidly in Delhi and keeping this mind, it is the responsibility of everyone to help government make Delhi pollution-free," Rai said.
The Car-Free Day was organised on road stretch between the historic Red Fort and India Gate from 7 AM to noon which also saw the participation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, cabinet ministers, MLAs and other government officers.
Government will organise the next Car-Free Day in Dwarka area on November 22 which will continue throughout the day. Under the 'Ab Bus Karein' campaign, government will organise such events on the 22nd day of every month.
