#OddEvenPolicy: AAP's Ashutosh examines its achievements & drawbacks

QUICK PILL

The policy

• 15 days of the Delhi govt\'s Odd-Even policy are over. AAP\'s Ashutosh gives his take
• Pollution levels reduced, but not drastically

The opinion

• This is not a panacea for pollution. It is just an emergency measure
• Pollution can\'t be countered without improving public transport and acting against diesel

More in the story

• Myths and reality of Delhi\'s battle against pollution
• Ashutosh\'s advice for the Delhi government
• International experiments and potential solutions

(Ashutosh is an official spokesperson for the Aam Aadmi Party. He explains how the brouhaha surrounding the DDCA is part of a much greater political game between the BJP and PM Narendra Modi on the one hand, and the AAP and Arvind Kejriwal on the other)

The 15 days of the Odd-Even experiment are over. When it began, everyone was at odds with this scheme. Now even many critics have come to support it. It is rare to see a government scheme in India get such overwhelming support from the public.

This underlines two fundamentals. One, people are prepared to make sacrifices for a better quality of life. Two, with people's support, even the most audacious project is doable.

Also read - Delhi's Odd/Even: Twitter brands it a success, demands to make it permanent

However, let us also admit that pollution has not come down as drastically as expected. This isn't a permanent solution. Rather it is an emergency measure to be implemented when pollution crosses the danger level.

According to scientists, it is difficult to bring about a substantial reduction in pollution in winter because of the stillness of the air, low temperature and western disturbances. However, they do point out that this year pollution levels haven't peaked as much as usual, because there are lesser vehicles on the roads.

They also argue that that success of the Odd-Even experiment can be gauged by less congestion on the roads and reduction in travel time by 35%.

Then with lesser traffic, driving-related stress, road rage and accidents were also less. Most vehicle owners reached home earlier and spent more time with their families and friends. According to media reports, the sale of petrol and diesel also went down by 40%.

Still, the success of a scheme lies not in these subsidiary benefits but in finding a permanent solution. This is a good beginning, but a lot more needs to be done.

Three myths

Before the next stage of implementation, a few myths need to be busted.

Myth 1: Cars are the only pollutants.

Reality: Other vehicles like two-wheelers and trucks also contribute to pollution. Perhaps, two-wheelers are bigger culprits.

Myth 2: Vehicles are the only pollutants.

Reality: They are part of the problem. Construction activity also contributes to air pollution by releasing dust particles. This needs to be tamed through strict enforcement of the norms, like developed countries.

Let's admit that pollution didn't come down drastically. Odd-Even formula isn't a permanent solution

Myth 3: Delhi government can fight this menace alone.

Reality: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi also has to contribute. Neighbouring states also need to crack down on rogue vehicles and industries. Burning of crops in open fields in these states also contributes to air pollution.

Possible steps

To make the national capital region pollution-free, the government has to take a few unpopular steps such as the inclusion of two-wheelers in the Odd-Even scheme. Diesel vehicles should be a big NO, even if it means upsetting powerful interest groups.

A programme needs to be conceived to promote two-wheelers that are electricity or battery-operated. Electric cars have become popular in the west. Why can't they be brought to Delhi? Bio-fuels are another option.

Perhaps, the purchase of a second car should be allowed only if the owner furnishes proof that he has a separate parking space.

Also read - 15 questions for the AAP govt on Delhi's new odd/even formula for vehicles

International experiments

If one has to buy a car in Singapore, one has to first purchase a permit that is often costlier than the car itself. The mega city has created 32 zones and entry in these zones is expensive. Car owners have to pay extra to visit inside these areas. The idea is that polluters should pay more.

Like London, car parking in the main city should be very expensive. The local administration in London charges 10 pounds per hour as parking charges.

Vehicular movement can be banned in certain areas of the city, as is the practice in Stockholm.

Athens provides another solution. The city has been divided into 2 zones - inner zone and outer zone. When pollution touches the danger level, an announcement is made and cars are disallowed in the inner zone whereas taxis move as per the Odd-Even formula. In the outer zone, private vehicles follow the Odd-Even formula and taxis run as usual.

Cars aren't the only pollutants. Govt needs to act against diesel and expand Odd-Even to two-wheelers

Improving public transport

But even these aren't permanent solutions. In a city like Delhi, Pollution can never be comprehensively fought unless the public transport system improves vastly.

The metro should increase the number of compartments from 6 to 8, improve the frequency of trains and expand the network even to non-profitable areas

The number of buses should also be increased threefold and they should be given to professional operators. Traffic management and discipline should be implemented with an iron fist.

The success depends on how the government incentivises public transport and disincentivises the use of private vehicles. If that is done, we can win the battle against pollution.

With the kind of support the people have given the government, this opportunity must not be missed.

The views expressed here are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of the organisation.

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