Introduction
Delhi and it’s battle with pollution has been a long going one with a lot of factors adding to the poor air quality of the city. The deteriorating air pollution levels hit an all-time high this year with The Capital City being engulfed in hazardous smoke.
Odd-Even scheme is making its comeback to the city after a period of three years. First introduced in 2016, the scheme was implemented twice that year between January 1-15 and between April 15-30. Fast forward to October 2019, due to the bursting of crackers on Diwali and illegal burning of crop subtle in neighboring states, Delhi has been enveloped in extremely severe toxic smog.
The odd-even scheme is a traffic rationing measure in which non-transport vehicles are permitted on road depending on their vehicle registration number. Interested in knowing more about the scheme?
Read below for a few quick overviews of this scheme:
1. All About the scheme
The odd-even road scheme has come into effect in Delhi from November 4th until November 15th. Under this scheme, odd and even-numbered vehicles will ply on alternate days. This scheme has been implemented for 12 days and it has started with November 4th an even day that saw 15 lakh cars going off-road. Through this scheme, the air quality levels are assumed to become healthier in Delhi.
2. Beneficiaries
Hands down the residents of Delhi! And maybe the government for implementing this scheme. The toxic air quality in the capital city has reached alarming rates this season, with the implemented odd-even scheme reduced congestion and lesser vehicular emission is said to increase the air quality, providing an air which is safe to breathe for all Delhi folks!
3. Penalty –Fine for a Cause
The offenders of this scheme are to be imposed with a fine of ₹4,000. 200 Traffic Teams are deployed all over Delhi to monitor violators and penalize them for their actions.
4. Exemptions
29 categories of vehicles are exempted from following the odd-even scheme. Included in this category are:
- Women only vehicles or Women with children up to 12 years of age.
- Private vehicles carrying school children in school uniform (only during school timings).
- Vehicles carrying People with Physical Disabilities.
- Two Wheeler Vehicles, major transportation means to 66% of Delhi’s population & Electric Vehicles.
- The President, The Vice President, The Prime Minister, Governors, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Chief Justice of India, Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
- Vehicles of Union Ministers, Rajya Sabha &Lok Sabha Leaders of Opposition.
- UPSC Chairman.
- Vehicles of Supreme Court Judges, Delhi High Court Judges, Lokayukta.
- Controller & Auditor General of India (CAG)
- Deputy Chairman Rajya Sabha & Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha.
- Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commissioners
- Vehicles of Chief Ministers of Other States & Union Territories.
- Emergency Enforcement, Defence, Paramilitary & Embassy vehicles.
Non-Transportation vehicles primarily consisting of Four Wheelers driven by men and Private CNG vehicles need to comply with this rule. All the Ministers of Delhi have not been exempted from the odd-even scheme. It is interesting to note that other Non- Goods Vehicles from other states entering Delhi during this period are also required to follow the odd-even scheme.
5. Alternative Transportation Measures
The government has taken a number of precautionary measures to provide alternative transportation to its residents. 2,000 Additional Buses, Additional trips on Delhi Metro, Cut down of surge pricing by Ola & Uber amongst others.
Conclusion
While the previous implementations of the odd-even scheme failed to create much of an impact on the air quality levels in the city, with this timely intervention the residents are expected to have cleaner & safer breathing spaces.
What are your opinions about the odd-even scheme? Would 12 days be sufficient for a change of air quality?
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