Locals rue bad state of public transport after decision to implement the scheme was called off
Even as the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government called off the Odd-Even road rationing scheme for the time being, after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) asked them to cut back on the exemptions, people across the city have mixed reactions to the idea.
According to experts, the scheme which helps decongest the city, in absence of a robust public transport system, does not have the planning or means to tackle the large volume of commuters.
The city has over 60 lakh registered two-wheelers, which are more polluting than cars. During the last two editions of the scheme, people relied on two-wheelers for the daily commute.
However, studies conducted on the effects of the scheme suggested that pollution levels did not show any major improvement during the implementation.
Even as the Delhi government is all set to bring back the odd-even road rationing system due to rising pollution levels, environment experts and scientists claimed that there was no 'concrete evidence' of air quality improvement in the city.
A study conducted by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) —an independent think tank — during the first trial of the policy in January 2016 stated that there was no 'conclusive evidence' to prove if the air quality of the city has improved during the fortnight.
However, an air quality analysis done during both the odd-even implementation — January 2016 and April 2016 — by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) showed that there was a slight improvement in levels of air pollution. However, it depended on the meteorological conditions to a large extent.
"While there was a decrease in pollutant concentrations in the first week of January, farm fires in neighbouring states led to a spike in pollution levels again in the second week. Also, weather conditions such as the wind speed responsible for the dispersal of pollutants was very low during this period. The air quality, however, showed improvement during the second experiment in April, as meteorological conditions were favourable," the CSE report stated.
The government had earlier announced the revival of the third round of odd-even between November 13 and November 17 (Monday-Friday). The scheme, however, like its previous two editions exempts two-wheelers and vehicles driven by women (with only women passengers and children under the age of 12 years).
ODD-EVEN SCHEME IN NUMBERS
January 2016
First phase of Odd-Even scheme was implemented by the AAP government
19,140 challans
Issued by the government during the first phase, collecting over Rs 1.82 crore
VOICES
The government has put emphasis on the use of public transport in view of the crisis in the city. However, buses are already very crowded. Travelling in DTC buses and the metro in peak hours isn't comfortable and it is a major reason why people are switching to private vehicles. Also the recent hike metro fare hasn't helped matters. Improving services is a better alternative to this.
—Harsh Yadav, stuent, University of Delhi
The scheme reduces pollution up to an extent when almost half the vehicles are not allowed on the roads. But the government should shift its focus towards a more permanent solution. Every year, chaos is created by neighbouring states due to stubble burning. These issues need to be settled to avoid such conditions in the future.
—Dr Priyanaka Meena, Noida
For someone who travels occasionally to Delhi, it's really hectic to manage things due to this Odd-Even scheme. It affects people's daily lives and their work schedules. The government must look into building a robust transport system before conducting these experiments. Also, they need to work all through the year to cut down on pollution levels.
—Vishal Meena, engineering student, Noida
The Stubble burning in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh and the presence of industries inside Delhi are bigger contributors to air pollution. A few years ago, industries were shifted to Bawana but new illegal industries have cropped up again. The Delhi government should take care of all the factors rather than just implementing the scheme which targets only one reason for pollution.
—Naveen Kumar, Delhi
Even if two-wheelers are to be banned, we will support the government. We want the air to be safe for our children. But it becomes difficult to commute as Delhi does not have a very good public transport system. If this problem can be addressed, then cab services such as Ola, Uber and private vehicles will automatically reduce. Other issues too should be should be given attention rather than targeting only one cause.
—Kamal Gupta, Delhi
The condition of Delhi is severe. The Odd-Even scheme failed to prove its purpose. It was only effective in decreasing traffic on the roads, which worked for a while. The government needs step up and find effective measures to curb pollution in the city.
—Anoop Singh, Delhi
EXPERT SPEAK
The Odd-Even scheme is one of the measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to be taken during 'emergency' levels of air pollution. However, it can only be of any impact if the public transport system is strengthened. The objective is to discourage people from using private vehicles. The administration has to work all through the year to make this happen. Besides, the exemptions for two-wheelers, which are way more polluting than cars, renders the scheme meaningless.
—Bhure Lal, former bureaucrat and chairman, EPCA (Environment Pollution Control Authority)
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