New Delhi’s Hazardous Air Quality Calls for Drastic Measures

The rising air pollution in the national capital has become a major concern for the people living in Delhi. Smoke emitted by the growing number of vehicles in New Delhi has actually impacted the overall health of the people residing in Delhi. Children and old people have been found to be more vulnerable to respiratory problems and diseases caused by vehicular smoke. The Delhi High Court has already ordered the state and central government to plan and execute strict measures to tackle deteriorating Air Pollution in Delhi. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other international organizations have raised serious concerns about the inferior air quality in New Delhi.

What the Odd-Even Rule Means?

The Delhi Government will execute the odd-even number formula from Jan 1 in order to curb pollution. Under the new system, even-numbered vehicles will be permitted to run on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, whereas odd-numbered cars will ply on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. However, nothing has been said about Sundays by the government. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has said that his government would stop the move after ten to fifteen days if the people faced any type of problems or inconveniences.

Delhi Health and PWD Minister, Satyender Jain, said there is an urgent need to implement strict measures in order to tackle and clean Delhi’s highly toxic air. The minister said that the new system will be applicable on all the bureaucrats and ministers in the capital. However, ambulances, PCR vans, fire tenders and CNG-run buses, taxis and cabs have been exempted by this new rule. The Delhi government has asked the people to give their suggestions and ideas to implement the new traffic rationing system effectively. In the latest development, the government has collaborated with tech giant IBM to analyze and gather data on the overall effects of vehicular traffic on New Delhi Air Quality in an attempt to tackle surging air pollution levels in Delhi. The IBM will work together with state government’s Delhi Dialogue Commissionfor a 3 month pilot programthat will provide relevant insights and advise appropriate policies to enhance air quality of Delhi.