From November 13 to 17 (Monday to Friday) cars in Delhi will ply according to the last digit of their number plates as the Delhi government decides to implement the odd-even scheme for the third time in the city to curb growing air pollution.
Cars with odd number plates will be plying on days with odd dates — November 13, 15 and 17 — and those with even number plates on days with even dates — November 14 and 16.
Two-wheelers, however, have been exempt from the rule. This, despite the fact that they account for more pollution than four-wheelers.
According to the Centre For Science and Environment, two-wheelers contribute nearly 31 per cent of the pollution, whereas cars and other four-wheelers account for 20 per cent of vehicular pollution.
Apart from two-wheelers, CNG-operated and electric cars, and cars driven by women with a child below 12 years of age are included in the list of exemptions, along with vehicles of the president, the prime minister and the chief justice of India. Vehicles used for medical emergencies have also been exempted.
The odd-even scheme was first introduced from January 1 to 15 in 2016, and again from April 15 to 30 in the same year. But this time, the rule will apply only for five days
While briefing the media, Delhi transport minister Ashok Gehlot said the decision to bring back the odd-even scheme was a precautionary step to curb air pollution. But its duration has been clipped from 15 to five days owing to people’s response during the last two times.
The people of Delhi-NCR had given immense support during the first round, but the second time saw no such support. The reason? The scheme failed to have any major impact on air pollution. And later, the issue became a political blame game between the AAP and the BJP.
A senior official in the Delhi government said on condition of anonymity, “The odd-even scheme would not serve its purpose if two-wheelers are exempted again.”
When City Spidey spoke Delhi residents on the implementation, they had similar views. And for many, poor public transport for list-mile connectivity remained a concern.
HC Joshi, a resident of Mayur Vihar Extension, said, “Bringing back the odd-even rule will not serve its purpose if two-wheelers are exempted. Personally, I feel people must support the plan, but they had to suffer terribly during the last two times. They said bus services would be provided in residential colonies last time, but that didn’t happen.”
This time too, Delhi transport minister said, “The government will arrange 500 additional buses. The DMRC has been asked to increase feeder bus services, and to run extra trains during this time. Delhi metro has already increased its trips from 3,131 to 3,317.”
