*BJP governments are propelling Delhi's air pollution; despite ban, BS-IV diesel buses are being sent to Delhi: Gopal Rai
*Enforcement team of Transport Department on Saturday issued challans to BS-IV diesel buses of Haryana and Uttarakhand governments: Gopal Rai
*Environment Minister Gopal Rai conducts surprise inspection of buses at ISBT Kashmiri Gate to ensure effective implementation of GRAP-III rules
*30% of Delhi’s pollution is due to local sources, while 70% is attributed to sources in NCR states: Gopal Rai
NEW DELHI: 16th November, 2024 -The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government in Delhi is committed to making the city free from air pollution. As part of these efforts, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai conducted a surprise inspection at Kashmiri Gate ISBT today to ensure the strict enforcement of GRAP-III guidelines. Officials from the Transport Department accompanied him during the inspection.
After conducting a surprise inspection at the Kashmere Gate Inter-State Bus Terminal, Environment Minister Gopal Rai highlighted that BS-IV buses from neighboring states continue to arrive at the bus stand despite the ban. “The enforcement team of the Transport Department issued challans to BS-IV diesel buses from the Haryana and Uttarakhand governments today,” he stated.
The Delhi Environment Minister took potshots at the BJP-led governments for worsening Delhi's air pollution by sending BS-IV diesel buses to the city despite the ban. “The BJP governments are deliberately sending diesel buses to increase pollution in Delhi, which is prohibited,” he stated.
Citing a report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Minister Gopal Rai explained that only 30% of Delhi’s pollution originates from within the city, while the remaining 70% comes from NCR districts. He emphasized that while the Delhi government has implemented a Summer Action Plan and Winter Action Plan to tackle pollution, neighboring BJP-led governments are exacerbating the issue.
He specifically pointed to diesel buses arriving at Anand Vihar from Uttar Pradesh and other states, stating, “Diesel buses are coming to Delhi from Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, leading to increased pollution in these areas.”
The Delhi Environment Minister stated that 84 teams from the Transport Department and 280 teams from the Traffic Police have been deployed to enforce the ban. He said, “To reduce pollution caused by vehicles, the movement of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles (4-wheelers) has been banned. Additionally, Delhi-registered diesel medium goods vehicles (MGVs) of BS-III standard or below will not be allowed to operate within Delhi.”
Minister Gopal Rai further added, “BS-III and below diesel light commercial vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi will not be permitted to enter the city. However, vehicles carrying essential goods and providing essential services are exempted. Only electric buses, CNG buses, and BS-VI diesel buses from the NCR will be allowed to enter interstate terminals. Any violations of these rules will result in a fine of Rs 20,000.”
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*Delhi’s Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot inaugurates ‘Sakhi Depot’-World’s first all-women bus Depot at Sarojini Nagar
*‘Sakhi Depot’ marks a new chapter in women empowerment in public transport
*Sarojini Nagar ‘Sakhi Depot’ has a total workforce of 223 women, comprising 89 drivers and 134 conductors
*The ‘Sakhi Depot’ is not just a symbol of women empowerment but a testament to breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields- Kailash Gahlot
*This depot is just the beginning; we aim to establish many such depots across Delhi under the ‘Sakhi’ initiative, offering equal opportunities and inspiring women across the nation- Kailash Gahlot
New Delhi: 16 November 2024-Delhi Transport Minister Shri Kailash Gahlot today inaugurated the world’s first all-women bus depot at Sarojini Nagar, aptly named the ‘Sakhi Depot’. The groundbreaking initiative, the first of its kind globally, will have an entirely female workforce, including drivers, conductors, and other depot staff.
Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Kailash Gahlot lauded the efforts of the women workforce, stating:
“The ‘Sakhi Depot’ is not just a symbol of women empowerment but a testament to breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Our women drivers and conductors are paving the way for a more inclusive and progressive society. This depot is just the beginning; we aim to establish many such depots across Delhi under the ‘Sakhi’ initiative, offering equal opportunities and inspiring women across the nation.”
*Features of ‘Sakhi Depot’*
The Sarojini Nagar Sakhi Depot has a total workforce of 223 women, comprising 89 drivers and 134 conductors. The depot operates a fleet of 70 buses, including 40 air-conditioned (AC) and 30 non-AC buses, serving 17 routes across Delhi.
*Journey of the All-Women ‘Sakhi Depot’*
The establishment of the ‘Sakhi Depot’ was a long-standing dream of Transport Minister Shri Kailash Gahlot. However, the journey to making this dream a reality was fraught with challenges.
One of the significant hurdles was the height requirement for women drivers. The original minimum height requirement of 159 cm excluded many aspiring women drivers. In February 2022, the height requirement was reduced to 153 cm. To further facilitate women drivers, buses were equipped with power steering, adjustable seats, and steering options, making them more accessible and easier to operate.
To address the challenge of obtaining Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) licenses, the Delhi government partnered with Ashok Leyland in April 2022 to launch Mission Parivartan. This initiative provided free training for women drivers, with costs split between the Delhi government and Ashok Leyland.
The first batch of 11 women drivers graduated and joined the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) in August 2022. Over time, additional batches of women drivers were inducted, bringing the current number to 89 women drivers who have been confidently operating buses for over a year, with some boasting more than two years of experience.
*Historical Significance of the ‘Sakhi Depot’*
Formerly known as the Sarojini Nagar Depot, the Sakhi Depot holds a significant place in Delhi’s transport history. Inaugurated in April 1954, it was Delhi’s first-ever bus depot. Named after the renowned freedom fighter Sarojini Naidu, popularly known as the Nightingale of India, the depot is a beacon of progress and empowerment.
Interestingly, Delhi’s first female bus driver, Smt. Vankadavath Saritha, who joined DTC on April 10, 2015, also began her journey at the Sarojini Nagar Depot, where she continues to work today.
*Future of the ‘Sakhi’ Initiative*
The Sakhi Depot is the first step in a broader vision of creating more all-women depots across Delhi. These depots will fall under the larger ‘Sakhi’ initiative, which aims to empower women in the workforce and provide equal opportunities in public transport. The Sarojini Nagar Sakhi Depot serves as a powerful example of breaking barriers and creating inclusive work environments for women.
With the launch of the ‘Sakhi Depot’, Delhi has not only taken a bold step toward gender equality but also set a precedent for cities across the world to follow.