Odd-even scheme tested -Governance Now

Odd-even scheme tested

Amid scepticism regarding the scheme, odd-even turning out to be a success

Yoshika Sangal | January 6, 2016 | New Delhi

Ever since the odd-even scheme is implemented on the 15-day trial in Delhi, Delhiites have been curious to know its response and check its viability. The real challenge for the Delhi government was whether the new rule will be followed or not and if it is, will it create chaos and inconvenience for Delhi commuters.

Recently, videos and pictures showing a crowded Rajiv Chow metro station went viral on social media. Though these pictures turned out to be fake, social media users on Twitter and Facebook took no time in posting their reactions on the viral images.

Contrary to the images and negative reactions towards the Delhi government when the rule was being formulated, the plan is actually coming out successfully. Earlier, the scepticism was largely based on three grounds. First, the lack of last mile connectivity in public transportation; Second, fear of overcrowded buses and metro trains (owing to the huge population of Delhi); Third, shortage of traffic police staff in checking violators.

But in the six days of the odd-even plan so far, there has been a smooth functioning in all these areas where the commuters were sceptical. So far, there have been no complaints or agitation by Delhi commuters.

According to aqicn.org, the website that calculates the air quality of cities across the world, PM 2.5 at Anand Vihar at 3pm on January 5, had gone down from 534 to 375 while PM 10 had dipped from 853 to 491. These numbers are in no way near the safe area but it is a clear indication that things are changing.

Even though there has been smooth traffic on the roads and that the buses and metro trains have not witnessed heavy rush of passengers and there has been a decrease in pollution levels, PILs are still being filed challenging the AAP government’s odd-even scheme.

Reports suggest that some of the PILs have challenged the entire scheme as being “arbitrary” or “ill-conceived”, while others are against certain portions of it, like the exemptions given to women drivers and two-wheelers. The latest petition by Delhi a resident claims that the city government’s scheme violates his fundamental rights of equality, freedom of movement and right to practise any profession or occupation, guaranteed under the Constitution.

Whether or not people feel their right is being violated by following this rule, it is clear that the trial so far has been a smooth ride. This first-ever initiative by the Delhi government can prove to have what it takes to make substantial difference in making the city pollution free.

Comments

Other News

New Delhi’s Indo-Pacific strategy enters a new phase

India appears to be investing fresh dynamism in its Indo-Pacific strategy. At the time when the US, under president Donald Trump, has adopted a conciliatory approach towards China and has changed the name of America’s Indo-Pacific Command to just Pacific Command, India has quietly moved towards con

CAG flags major fiscal lapses in Maharashtra

Maharashtra`s fiscal management has come under sharp scrutiny after the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, in its State Finances Audit Report for 2024-25, flagged significant budgetary inefficiencies, accounting irregularities, understatement of key fiscal indicators and widespread governanc

The health sector research we are not doing

Some neglect is loud. This kind is quiet. It sits in research never commissioned, data never collected, questions never asked. In South Asia, that quiet has let the region’s worst health problems stay understudied, underfunded, and out of sight of those who could act.

Study flags accessibility and last-mile challenges on Mumbai Metro Aqua Line

Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line), the city`s first fully underground metro corridor and one of its largest public transport investments, represents a major engineering achievement and has been widely welcomed by commuters. However, the overall commuter experience continues to be constrained by accessibili

Centre intensifies preparedness as El Niño threat looms

Amid uncertainty in the southwest monsoon due to the potential impact of El Niño, the government is addressing the situation with comprehensive preparedness, a clear strategy, and strong ground-level action. While challenges remain, the entire system has been activated in advance and is working proa

India is crossing a climate threshold

On June 28, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 41.3°C, four degrees above the seasonal normal. But the “feels like” temperature, which factors in humidity, showed more than 51°C. What the body experienced was very different from what the thermometer recorded. India`