The Odd Even Formula to curb pollution: Actually Effective?

The odd even formula by Delhi’s government is already seeing reactions from various groups of society. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has come up with this resort after the pollution reaching at alarming levels in the capital.

According to the scheme, odd numbered private vehicles (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) will be allowed to run on the roads on odd dates from 1st January onwards and even numbered (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) on even dates. There will be a trial run of the scheme for 15 days to check if it is actually feasible and beneficial in reducing pollution levels. The rule will be enforced between 8 am-8 pm, Monday to Saturday, but it is not applicable on Sundays, where both odd and even number vehicles are allowed. However exemption has been granted in the case of medical emergencies.

According to reports, vehicles driven by women but without passengers, as well as those carrying only women passengers have also been exempted. This exemption was granted keeping in mind the safety of women in the national capital.

Though the odd even policy is the most recognized, tried and tested method of restraining traffic and pollution it isn’t free from limitations. The biggest criticism being done is the lack of public vehicles to accommodate the population that won’t be able to use their private vehicles on alternate days.

To overcome the shortage of public vehicles, the Delhi government will double the fleet of buses during the 15-day trial period, CM Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday. The government has also asked the Delhi Metro to increase the frequency of trains, allowed auto drivers to work for longer hours and has contacted the railways to streamline the ring railway services during this period. Uber – a cab service providing app will be rolling out its carpooling initiative to commercial as well as private vehicles in Delhi in the next few days. By offering private vehicles to register on its platform for ride sharing in Delhi, Uber will tap into over 27 lakh private car owners in the capital.

Hopefully Delhi’s government will be able to get a control on pollution levels through its efforts for a cleaner Delhi.

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