Delhi Diary: Plaudits And Brickbats For Delhi's Odd-Even Traffic Formula

By M.Santhiran M.Santhiran, Bernama's correspondent in New Delhi shares his take on India. NEW DELHI, Jan 4 (Bernama) -- Delhiites remained engrossed with the odd-even traffic formula that took effect on the first day of the new year. The odd-even traffic formula introduced by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal allows private vehicles on alternate days based on odd or even registration number plates came into effect on new year's day. The surprise move earned both plaudits and brickbats for the Delhi government. The drastic move runs on trial basis from Jan 1-15 and is to find a long term solution to the worsening pollution in the city, especially after the World Health Organization (WHO) listed New Delhi being the most polluted city in the world. However, many of the locals lamented that the formula disrupted their daily routines. I took a drive around the city with my driver to see the effect of the formula on the new year's day but all looked fine especially for the fact it was also a long weekend here. It was reported that on the first day on the new year nearly one million of the seven million vehicles stayed off the road of the capital city due to the new rule. PLAUDITS FOR A TOUGH MOVE While many Delhiites remain in a dilemma, diplomats and local journalists that I spoke too generally gave their thumbs up on the state government's move. They said the move was overdue and with the Indian economy showing encouraging growth between 7 to 7.3 percent, both the state and union governments could do more in cleaning up Indian cities. A diplomat said even though the odd-even formula might not be the best answer, yet it is a good start especially in creating awareness on the urgent need of cleaning up the environment. He pointed out that with the Air Pollutant Index (API) being recorded between 400 to 450 in major cities for past few months, the authorities have no other choice than coming up with drastic actions that might be unpopular with the masses. DO DELHIITES HAVE ADEQAUTE ALTERNATIVES Senior journalist, M. Krisna from the ABN news channel said it was a good move but at the same time the state government has to ensure that Delhiites could rely on public transport system. Without reliable alternative arrangements, he said it would be difficult for the local authorities to achieve their intended target. Kejriwal went all out to show that he is serious in implementing the formula and shared his views during an interview with leading news channels. He also visited schools as part of his government's effort in getting the youngsters to be part of the campaign to encourage their parents to support the odd-even formula. The "Let Children Breathe" tagline used in the campaign was well received with few thousand volunteers joining the 5,000 Delhi traffic policemen in ensuring motorists comply with the formula. CALLS FOR NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN Kejriwal's move is being closely watched by officials of other 11 cities in India, as out of the 20 most polluted cities of the world 12 are in India. Residents of cities like Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, among the top polluted cities, already calling their respective governments to adopt Delhi state government's move. Many Indians feel that the odd-even formula is a good start in cleaning up the air that they breathe. Kejriwal who arrived at his office on the first day of the campaign in a shared car, remained upbeat that the state government would implement the formula on permanent basis once getting the feed back from the public. Kejriwal is even ready to set aside his differences with prime minister Narendra Modi's union government in ensuring the campaign's success. However, the whole of India has to wait and see whether the formula will see the light of the day in the city of more than 20 million people. As for me, my rented vehicle is considered a commercial vehicle thus I am exempted from the formula. However, I will still help Delhi reduce pollution by being on the road when it is only really necessary. -- BERNAMA