The odd-even experiment went on from January 1 to 15 in Delhi. (AFP Photo)
Coming out strongly in support of the odd-even scheme for cars in Delhi, US Ambassador to India Richard Verma has said that the US will share the "sacrifice" that others have to endure to tackle pollution.
"It's about shared sacrifice. It is one thing to just point and complain at the policy makers and it's quite another to try and come up with solutions and we wanted to be part of the solution," Mr Verma told NDTV on Thursday.
He said there was no plan by the US embassy to scale down the tenure of diplomatic postings as a result of high pollution levels. He also said the scheme reflected the willingness on people's part to do something towards tackling air pollution and climate change, which is a "pressing issue" that could "stifle" India's growth.
"It wasn't easy for a lot of our local support staff just like it wasn't easy for a lot of people across Delhi, but I think it's such a pressing issue and it really could stifle India's growth," he said.
"We think that some of the things that happened like odd-even formula ...I think the citizens want to do something. The consciousness over this issue is very strong. This is the challenge of a true megacity," the ambassador added.
The odd-even rule of the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi allowed only cars with odd-numbered licence plates on Delhi's roads on odd-numbered dates, and those with even-numbered plates on the other days from January 1 to 15. In its trial phase, many did not have to follow the rule, including women, two-wheelers and a number of VIPs.
The AAP government had declared its two-week experiment to cut smog in the world's most polluted capital a success, and said the estimated dip in pollution was in the range of 20 to 25 per cent.