Delhi’s Odd Even Formula creates vehicle pool culture

As the much-debated odd-even scheme restricting movement of private cars in the national capital between 8 AM and 8 PM for a fortnight was rolled out on Friday. The rule, however, will not be applicable on Sundays.

A fine of 2,000 rupees ($30.30) will be imposed on offenders and though vehicles will not be seized.

The Delhi chief minister said that the scheme had been successful so far and people in the national capital had accepted the restrictions with an open mind.

“I would additionally wish to thank Delhi Police, Enforcement wing of the Transport division, sub divisional magistrates and civil defence volunteers for making the odd-even scheme a hit. I spoke with my officers and they told me that people are appreciating the scheme and cooperating with them”.

Exempting two wheelers makes it even odder.

The Delhi chief minister, who masterminded the plan after the High Court described the city as a “gas chamber”, could not control his emotions. According to the government’s orders, vehicles found to be in violation will not be allowed to enter or exit parking lots maintained by Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Public Works Department (PWD), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), Delhi Cantonment Board, and municipal bodies.

To cope with the extra pressure on the public transport network, about 3,000 private buses had been hired for different routes all across the city. He said he would continue to do so until January 15 if he did not get to vehicle pool.

Another civil defence volunteer, who did not wish to be named, said his group refrained from entering into any argument with the violators and requested them to comply with the rule.

Citing his own experience, Mr Upadhyay said, “I have both odd and even numbered vehicles but when I received a call about an injured party worker, I could not move immediately as only even numbered vehicle was available while the odd numbered one was being used by my son. I wish them well”, Chidambaram said at the AICC press briefing. “I appeal to people to cooperate with Delhi Traffic Police for 15 days”, he said, adding that adequate personnel have been deployed for implementation of the scheme throughout the city.

The ambient air data collected by mobile dust samplers at 24 locations on January 1, 2016, showed that the PM 2.5 (particulate matter suspended in air with diameter less than 2.5 microns) levels ranged at all locations between 121-226, said a statement from the Delhi government. “To my surprise, Delhi roads were traffic free”.

Pollution live metres have been installed at six place in Delhi by the state government for monitoring real-time air quality.