‘Odd-even formula’ for cars triggers ire

The executive order of the Delhi government proposing an “odd/even formula” for cars to be implemented from 1 January 2016, has drawn mixed reactions from citizens here. Some feel the order would bring much-needed respite to those suffering from health conditions, while others see the order as being forced upon them, without having a proper public transport system in place.
The government’s decision has been lauded by environmentalists like M.C Mehta who said: “Delhi has been ranked as one of the most polluted cities in the world. People, especially senior citizens, children and patients in various hospitals, are gasping for breath and have been severely affected. If drastic measures are not taken by the Delhi government to curb the rising air pollution in the capital, Delhi will choke soon.”
However, Delhi lacks a proper public transport system that can support the demands of a large section of people who would be forced to leave their cars behind on every alternate day. A JNU student who travels from Dwarka daily said: “There is inadequate public transport system, and if I am forced to give up my car, I will be left with no option but to miss classes. Delhi lacks last mile connectivity and with the Metro still developing, such a decision would only cause chaos and confusion among commuters.”  Anurag Kulshrestha, president of TRAX, a road safety organisation, said that the government has taken a unilateral decision, adding the government seems to have taken this decision in a hurry under pressure of the National Green Tribunal and the Delhi High Court. “The intention of the government may be good, but with the current system in place, it seems impractical,” Kulshrestha said. Even senior traffic police officials expressed their disappointment at not being consulted and said it would be a difficult task to implement an order like this as they are already understaffed and overworked, and lack adequate modern equipment like cameras to capture number plates, etc.
In an emergency meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi Cabinet took a decision to implement an “odd/even formula” for cars plying on Delhi’s roads. The order will come into effect from 1 January 2016. It  means that cars having odd number plates would be allowed on one day and those with even numbers would be allowed to ply on the alternate day.