Feature: India's "odd-even" formula welcomed but longer-term anti-pollution strategy urged

On New Delhi's roads Saturday it was the turn for private car owners with even number plates. The exercise, part of the government's formula to fight rising pollution levels and improve air quality in India's capital city, seems to be going well.

"I have opted to travel by metro today as my car bears the odd registration number," said Sunl Arora, a resident in Green Park. "We are obeying the rule and extending full support for the success of the program.

Now, what remains to be seen is whether the government will intensify its crusade against pollution and work towards improving air quality.

Arora, like thousands in India's capital, have left their cars at home honoring the government's formula of restricting private cars.

In the absence of police and barriers, voluntarism and public commitment shone through.

The New Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that public response seems "encouraging" and said people have accepted the formula.

"By and large people in Delhi have accepted the anti-pollution drive with open minds," Kejriwal said.

Kejriwal's government on Friday launched the highly ambitious formula on a trial basis in a bid to rid New Delhi of its alarming pollution.

However, the final decision about the continuation of the formula will be made after a fortnight.

According to the "odd-even" formula, cars bearing odd-numbered registration plates shall be allowed on the roads on odd days, while those with even number plates will have access on even days.

The violators of the policy are penalized with a fine of 30 U.S. dollars.

According to the World Health Organization, New Delhi is among the most polluted cities in the world.

More than 8.5 million vehicles are estimated to driving on the city's roads, and emissions from them contribute to the increasing pollution and traffic jams.

Authorities believe cutting down emissions from cars can help in making the city's air clean.

However, the Delhi government has exempted 25 categories including VIPs, female drivers, CNG-certified vehicles and two-wheelers from the formula.

Experts have described the government's step as an emergency means to protect nature and said there was dire need to take some long-term measures to tackle the hazardous pollution.

"This is an emergency step and we are happy that the government has woken up to the problem," Anumita Roychowdhury from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in New Delhi said. "There is a need to adapt a longer term strategy to bring down the levels of pollution in the city."

Roychowdhury, the executive director at CSE, also heads research and advocacy programs on air pollution and clean transportation.

"This policy has come with exceptions for two wheelers, female drivers and VIPs and we are very unhappy about this," said Roychowdhury. "With so many exemptions, it is going to create lot of loopholes in the system, which is going to weaken the effectiveness of the program."

She said two-wheelers fall under the category of one of the heaviest emitters of pollution in the city.

"Estimates show two-wheelers and cars cause more than half of the particulate pollution in the city and, in fact, two-wheelers cause more pollution than cars, so if we exempt them, it is a program without any effect."

The experts' views were echoed by environmental activists, who said the government should work out a more comprehensive plan for keeping air pollution in check.

"Let's not be under this impression that the "odd-even" policy can end the pollution woes in Delhi," Ankita, an environmental activist said.

"The government also has to take some drastic measures like shutting down coal-based power plants and cleaning dusty roads," Ankita added.

Ankita along with her friend have gathered near Cannaught Place holding placards to raise awareness among the people and educate violators about the "odd-even" formula.

Though the formula has evoked a positive response, media reports stated the pollution levels in the city were yet to show any improvement.

If the trial shows encouraging results in New Delhi, other cities are likely to follow suit.

Away from the offices of policy makers and advocates of the "odd-even" formula, the anxiety on the faces of common residents was evident at the crowded metro station in Rajiv Chowk.

"It's fine that the government has put some curbs on private transport, but then it should have made the arrangements for people to commute without hassles," said Rohit Mukesh, a Sarajoni Nagar resident. "It is huge rush. We couldn't get a taxi or bus to travel home and now we have to take the metro which is fully packed." Endit