In answer to the pollution problem that Delhi is facing, the government has decided to restrict private vehicle owners from driving their cars on Delhi roads. Well, at least not everyday. Private vehicles will be allowed in the city only on alternate days. This is an interesting way to approach the problem because one of the primary reasons that Delhi is like a gas chamber, is the sheer number of vehicles on the roads. There are 85 Lakh vehicles driven in Delhi and 1400 get added everyday.
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Because it is the capital, it also attracts a lot of in-transit traffic everyday especially commercial vehicles. To curb the pollution from these diesel guzzling, smoke emitting and non-compliant vehicles, the government added a hefty toll on such vehicles while entering the city. They’ve hit some obstructions in successfully rolling out this higher toll collection but they are trying to make it work.
All government owned buses were converted into CNG, and all auto-rickshaws were also converted into CNG previously. Despite all this Delhi has been ranked as the city with the worst air out of 1600 cities surveyed by the World Health Organisation.
The city government has promised to improve public transport, and routinely vacuum roads to ensure there is less dust to add to the problems that winter brings such as fires being burnt. Commercial vehicles that are more than 15 years old will be forced off the Delhi roads from April 2016, while the rule for private vehicles is expected to come into action in January 2016.
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This decision to restrict private cars, is a commendable and bold step taken by the government especially because they are sure to face extreme criticism. The critics will want to know how they plan to implement this decision, honestly and without exception to VIPs, Politicians, rich businessmen, police officers and of course their family members and acquaintances. If they are able to implement this correctly then it will not only clear up the air but will also decrease the congestion that clogs almost all roads every single day.
There are a few other things the government needs to consider and implement without worrying about possible losses to their polls funds. Commercial vehicles need to be forced to be compliant to pollution limits. The additional toll adds to the treasury but doesn’t do anything to stop pollution. There has to be a curb put on the number of taxis that ply on the on the road. It is also imperative that private buses and tempos are stopped from entering or driving on Delhi roads if they have not converted to CNG, especially the ones coming from other states.
Author: Tora Sen
