Delhi, the capital city of India is breathing sick. The city, which is home to millions of cross-cultural people has surpassed the alarming levels of air pollutants causing health woes to its inhabitants. The most disturbing fact however, is that young school going children are falling in the vicious trap of demonic pollution and are displaying worrisome signs of various respiratory diseases including asthma. Thus, to curb the menace of pollution and facilitate a clean breathing environment for its residents, the Government of Delhi has initiated a novel initiative of Odd/Even vehicles on Delhi roads.
Delhi is all set to usher in the New Year in a unique style. Come January 1, 2016 and private vehicles in the city will have to follow the Odd & Even concept. For a trial period of 15 days, all private vehicles will follow the new set of rules to hit the roads. As per the new set of rules, odd-number vehicles shall ply on odd dates and even-number vehicles shall take to the city roads on even dates.
The need for this system arises because:
- Delhi has climbed the ladder to become the world’s most polluted city.
- 8.8 million private vehicles ply on Delhi roads each day thus adding to the existing pollution every single day.
- The 20-million unsuspecting Delhi populace is exposed to 153 micrograms/cubic meter of 2.5 particulate matter each day.
- World Health Organization says this is 15 to 20 times more than the intended mark.
- Delhi High Court has had to intervene and pass an order to the Delhi government to take conclusive action to curb pollution issues.
- Delhi government earlier declared the 22nd of every month as Car-Free Day, which saw pollution levels drop by a good 40%.
- World cities like Beijing, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, and Paris have already implemented this system.
Other prominent highlights of this new rule include:
- The government has exempted 25 categories of vehicles under the new system.
- This system will ensure that 5.3 lakh cars are off the roads, which comprises a petty 6.27%.
- 73.9 lakh vehicles will ply on Delhi roads when the new system will be implemented on a trial basis.
- Of the overall numbers, 55.7 lakh two-wheelers will hit the road. Sadly, they constitute a whopping 32% share in polluting Delhi air.
- Exempted vehicles include government, police & VVIP vehicles (approx. 1 lakh), ambulances (1,320), defence vehicles (1,500), and embassy vehicles (7,500).
- 15-year old petrol cars (8 lakh) and 10-year old diesel cars (1.5 lakh) that are banned by the government will be completely off roads through this trial period.
- The list of exempted vehicles includes 3.5 lakh CNG-fitted vehicles.
- Vehicles found violating the law would be fined INR 2,000.
The government’s action plan to make alternate arrangements includes the following:
- Strengthening the public transportation system by adding more buses to the existing fleet.
- Ensure that peripherals roads are constructed with the help of the Union Government so that trucks can easily bypass without entering Delhi.
- Press for the implementation of Euro 4 norms for automobiles across the country, which is already a norm in Delhi and other metro cities.
Although this idea looks lucrative and earnest, only time will tell its success story! Nevertheless, each one of us should pledge to make a difference, no matter how big or small. Read More – Fleet Management Solutions