It was on 7th November 2023 when Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai and Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot chaired a meeting in order to plan the implementation of the Odd-Even scheme in the national capital. The poor air quality of the National capital has been a matter of concern not recently but since the very beginning. The Air Quality Index (AQI) at 9 am showed that there was a marginal improvement in the air quality at 394, settling in the higher end of the ‘very poor’ category.
Environment Minister Gopal Rai said, “We had a meeting on odd-even today with officials in the Transport Department, Traffic Police and Environment department, on implementation of the odd-even scheme. We saw some observations of the SC on odd-even. After the SC order comes, we will study it. What it says will be incorporated and then details on odd even will be presented after the order is out.”
What is Odd-Even all about?
Odd-Even is a scheme introduced by the Delhi government in order to curb the level of pollution in the national capital. Here the government would allow vehicles to run on roads with registered odd no. plates on odd days, and even no. plates on even dates.
It was after the high level meeting held by Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi’s environment minister stated that the odd-even scheme would be soon implemented from 13th-20th November.
Why is Delhi’s air pollution on its peak?
It was today at 9am when the Air Quality Index (AQI) showed that there is a marginal improvement in the air quality. But after so many times when Delhi’s air pollution has come to its peak- one question which is stuck in mind is what is that one thing which is resulting in Delhi’s worsting air quality? Unfavorable wind conditions, reduction in wind speed and dip in temperature have contributed to the worst air quality.
The supreme court has also warned Delhi Govt not to burn the solid wastes which in turn results in higher air pollution.
Measures taken by govt: As part of the Central govt’s air pollution control plan, when the AQI has surpassed 450-mark, all emergency measures outlined, such as prohibiting polluting trucks, commercial four-wheelers, and various construction activities, must be implemented in the NCR.
Delhi has seen almost 3 rounds of odd-even schemes since 2016. And this move by the AAP Govt in order to curb the pollution level has been receiving green signals from experts. Amit Bhatt, International Council on Clean Transportation managing director (India), said that odd even traffic rules are a step in the right direction, but the number of exemptions for 2 wheelers and other vehicles need to be minimized.
Also Read : Tips to not be a couch potato this winter season!
He further added, “Given the ongoing air quality emergency, it is imperative that we take immediate measures to reduce pollution. The implementation of the odd-even traffic rule is a positive step in this direction. To maximize the benefits of the scheme, we need to minimize the number of exemptions granted. It is crucial to recognise that emissions from transportation remain a persistent issue throughout the year. Hence, it is high time for Delhi to transition into a low-emission zone ensuring clean air year-round.”
S Velmurugan, chief scientist and head of traffic engineering and safety division of Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), made his positive remarks and said the scheme is a good move to control pollution in a short window.
