DELHI'S ODD-EVEN SCHEME
1. Context
Delhi government will observe and implement The Odd-Even scheme as per the instructions given by the Supreme Court of India
2. What is the Odd-Even Scheme of Delhi?
- In an effort to curb the city's severe air pollution, the Delhi government introduced the Odd-Even Scheme, a policy restricting vehicles with odd-numbered registration plates to odd-numbered dates and vehicles with even-numbered plates to even-numbered dates. This measure is primarily implemented during periods of intense air contamination, when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches the "severe" or "severe plus" classification
- The Odd-Even Scheme was first implemented in Delhi in 2016 as a temporary solution to the city's persistent air pollution crisis.
- While the scheme initially received mixed reactions, with some applauding its effectiveness in reducing pollution levels and others criticizing its inconvenience, it was generally deemed a success. Consequently, the Odd-Even Scheme has been reintroduced multiple times since its initial implementation in 2016.
- Studies have demonstrated the Odd-Even Scheme's effectiveness in mitigating Delhi's air pollution. One study revealed a 13% average reduction in PM2.5 levels during the first week of the scheme's implementation. Similarly, another study found a 17% average reduction in PM10 levels during the same period.
3. Exemptions from the Odd-even Scheme
Certain vehicles are exempt from the Odd-Even Scheme's restrictions. These exemptions include:
- Electric vehicles
- Hybrid vehicles
- CNG vehicles
- Two-wheelers
- Emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire trucks, etc.)
- Public transport vehicles (buses, autos, etc.)
- Vehicles transporting essential commodities (food, medicine, etc.)
- Vehicles driven by women (exempt on Mondays and Wednesdays)
- Vehicles driven by senior citizens (exempt on Tuesdays and Thursdays)
- Vehicles driven by disabled individuals (exempt at all times)
The Delhi Traffic Police is responsible for enforcing the Odd-Even Scheme. Police officers are stationed at checkpoints throughout the city to verify vehicle registration plates. Violators of the scheme face a fine of Rs 2,000.
4. What exactly is contributing to Delhi's air Pollution?
- A combination of factors contributes to Delhi's recurring air pollution crisis. The city's location within a shallow atmospheric basin traps pollutants, preventing their dispersion. During periods of low temperatures and slow wind speeds, pollutants accumulate near the surface, creating the infamous Delhi smog.
- Another significant contributor is the smoke from numerous fires set by farmers in Punjab and Haryana.
- As farmers prepare their fields for the rabi crop, they burn the stubble left over from the harvested kharif crop. While sources like vehicular emissions and road dust contribute to pollution year-round, the farm fires and atmospheric conditions around Diwali exacerbate the issue.
- A study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) revealed that farm fires contributed up to 40% of Delhi's PM 2.5 concentration during peak periods in past years. Data from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology indicates that biomass burning accounted for 35%, 20%, and 21% of the daily mean PM 2.5 concentration in Delhi on November 3, 4, and 5, respectively.
- While farm fires significantly impact Delhi's air quality during a brief period, their overall contribution to the city's annual air pollution is relatively small, estimated at around 3% or less. Multiple studies have indicated that local sources are the primary cause of Delhi's air pollution, with vehicles contributing up to 30% of the city's annual PM 2.5 concentration.
- Vehicular emissions also include harmful pollutants like NO2, and the CSE estimates a 60% increase in NO2 levels this year compared to the same period last year. Certain high-traffic areas have reported NO2 concentrations three to four times higher than the 24-hour standard.
5. Challenges in Implementing Odd-Even Scheme
- Implemented to curb Delhi's air pollution, the Odd-Even Scheme's restriction on vehicle usage has inconvenienced residents, particularly those dependent on cars for daily commutes or work-related activities. The scheme's effectiveness is further hampered by factors like traffic congestion and the use of alternative modes of transport that contribute to pollution.
- Critics contend that the Odd-Even Scheme disproportionately impacts lower-income residents, who are more likely to own older vehicles not exempted from the restrictions. This can worsen existing economic disparities and hinder access to essential services for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
- The Odd-Even Scheme is often perceived as a temporary measure rather than a long-term solution to Delhi's air pollution problem. Effectively addressing air pollution requires a comprehensive approach that tackles all pollution sources, including vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and construction dust.
- Enforcing the Odd-Even Scheme in a large and densely populated city like Delhi poses challenges. Identifying and penalizing violators can be difficult, and the scheme's effectiveness can be undermined by lax or inconsistent enforcement.
- The Odd-Even Scheme includes exemptions for certain vehicle categories, such as emergency vehicles, public transport, and electric vehicles. While these exemptions are necessary for essential services and promoting eco-friendly alternatives, they can also create loopholes that allow some vehicles to pollute without restriction.
- The Odd-Even Scheme's success hinges on public awareness and compliance. Ensuring residents are well-informed about the scheme's rules and exemptions is crucial for its effectiveness. Encouraging public support and cooperation can help reduce the need for strict enforcement measures.
6. Way forward
While the Odd-Even Scheme has proven effective in reducing air pollution levels in Delhi, it remains a controversial policy. The scheme is likely to continue as part of the city's ongoing efforts to address air pollution
Source: Indianexpress
