POLLUTION

Delhi Government Defends Odd-Even Scheme as Effective Emergency Measure Against Air Pollution in Supreme Court

The Delhi government informed the Supreme Court that the odd-even scheme in the national capital functions as an "effective emergency measure" to combat air pollution.

According to the Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS), which conducted a Traffic Impact Assessment of the odd-even scheme from November 4 to 15, 2019, there was a 30% reduction in personal car traffic. However, there was an increase of 6.5% in two-wheeler traffic, 19.5% in taxis, 7.5% in auto-rickshaws, and 4.7% in buses.

The government stated to the apex court that the reduction in traffic led to an increase in average speed on roads by 2% to 15% on various major roads in Delhi. During the odd-even scheme, 36% of people shifted from cars to metro, buses, two-wheelers, taxis, and auto-rickshaws, as per opinion surveys conducted as part of the study.

The overall analysis indicates that nearly half (46%) of the users want the scheme to be implemented permanently, while 32% suggest its implementation only during high pollution days.

Additionally, the Supreme Court was informed that there was an estimated 15% decrease in fuel consumption on an average day during the odd-even scheme implementation. The odd-even drive scheme demonstrated a positive impact on reducing air pollution from vehicles, alleviating congestion on Delhi roads, and increasing the share of public transport, according to the Delhi government.

The government also relied on findings from two independent scientific evaluations by globally reputed institutions during the first two implementations of the odd-even scheme in January 1-15, 2016, and April 15-30, 2016.

One analysis by researchers affiliated with the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago, Centre for Policy Research, and Harvard Kennedy School found that PM 2.5 levels were lower by 13% on average during 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. during the odd-even scheme in January 2016.

Another impact evaluation conducted by researchers from IIT-Delhi and Kanpur, among others, concluded that the traffic restriction between January 1-15, 2016, reduced PM 2.5 by 4-6%, with a maximum of up to 10%, primarily at three local hotspots in Delhi.

The Supreme Court will address the issue of worsening air quality in Delhi and adjoining areas on Friday.

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives.