Odd-Even to roll out; Delhi to put ban on private vehicles

As the pollution level of the capital ‘Delhi’ is rising rapidly and to prevent the circumstances, EPCA [Environment Pollution (Prevent & Control) Authority] has said that it could ban the private vehicles and by SC permit, could once again bring out the Odd-Even rationing of the vehicles over Delhi if the state pollution level deteriorates further. The AQI of Delhi is rising day by day and it has become a matter of concern for the people living in Delhi.

Ban on private vehicles, odd-even scheme likely if Delhi continues to choke

Anumita Roy Chowdhury, Executive director of CSE’s Research and Advocacy wing said that ban on vehicles and Road-Rationing could be effective in preventing the pollution if implemented in right manner and could reduce the particulate matter present in the air. She said “If road rationing scheme or ban on private vehicles is implemented in the right manner then there could be a significant drop in levels of particulate matter, primarily the levels of PM_2.5. We have seen this in the past.”

By looking at the past records, bringing down the vehicles has also brought down the PM_2.5 level simultaneously. PM_2.5 is particulate matter which is present in air as an air pollutant and causes health problems. PM_2.5 is tiny particle which reduces the visibility and creates opacity when level is too high.

Experts say that likewise in January 2016, if the Road-Rationing would be done with same exemptions then it would do no good in reduction of pollution. In January 2016, exemptions were given to CNG vehicles, women drivers, VIPs and two wheelers which reduced pollution but still made no difference as it was insignificant.

The study by Ministry of Earth Science showed that Vehicular pollution has increased over 40% since last eight years. As the stats signify that vehicles have increased the pollution over the state, experts said that controlling the number of vehicles is very important because if not done then it can deteriorate the situation. The study also revealed that the pollution is arising due to poor mileage of the vehicles and the app based cabs which travel more than 1.50 Lakh KM per year.

Sagnik Dey, Associate professor for Atmospheric Science at IIT-Delhi, said that only three cities are most influenced and have registered heavy increase in pollution, rest cities also registered growth in pollution but it was minor. “Only three pockets in the city – Najafgarh, Shalimar Bagh and Greater Kailash – registered around 8 – 10% drop in pollution levels. In the remaining areas the decline was just around 2 – 3%.” he said.