Delhi’s Odd Even traffic rule has been a major success when it came into play last time. People of Delhi loved to obey a rule which didn’t kill the money in their pockets. There were many factors leading to the success of the Odd-Even traffic rule in January. Cold weather, strong winds and people’s participation, in general, was a huge factor in bringing down pollution levels and cars on the road.
But this time around, the Odd-Even will tell a different tale in a strict tone. There has been no clear trend in the reduction of particulate matter (PM) pollution in the city.
According to SAFAR (System of Air quality and Weather Forecasting and Research), O3 or Ozone 3 levels have increased from 33 parts per billion (PPB) to 45 ppb, although this was under the safe zone.
DPCC of Delhi Pollution Control Committee said that the PM2.5 average on April 15 was around 90-100 micrograms per cubic meter for the locations – Mandir Marg, Punjabi Bagh and RK Puram. But on Monday between 8am and 8pm the pollution levels were as low as 55-60 micrograms per cubic meter. It remained so on Wednesday as well.
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When compared with the current PM 2.5 levels with the data recorded last year, it shows a minute drop on April 17 and 18. This is given by SAFAR's website. The scientists from The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) said that it is way too early to comment on the impact of Odd-even rule on the pollution levels. "We will release a report towards the end of the scheme. But the benefit that can be achieved through this scheme is at the most 5% to 10% reduction in PM," said Sumit Sharma of TERI.
Anumita Roy Chowdhury, head of CSE's clean air programme said, "If traffic reduces, it may help stabilize pollution levels. So even if peaks reduce, it's a big thing. When traffic volume decreases, it will reduce personal exposure to pollutants because of reduced travel time."
Other than decreasing the traffic congestion in the capital, if the ‘life saver Odd-Even Traffic Rule’ fails to get the pollution levels down then the significance of the rule will only be confined to the traffic aspect of it. Pollution will still continue to haunt the lives of many in the capital.
Originally Published in The Economic Times
Image Credit: YouthKiAwaaz
