Exclusive: Delhi chokes despite odd-even scheme

The second phase of odd-even scheme proved to be a failure as data released by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) showed no significant changes in the pollution level in the Capital. Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai indicated that the third phase would be implemented only after a thorough examination of the report released today.

In its report, the DPCC, who collected data from 74 centres, said that the particulate matter (PM) level was found high on several days and in areas like Sunder Nagar, ITO, Pragati Maidan, Lodhi colony, India Gate, Jantar Mantar, Shivaji Stadium, Minto Road, Model Town, Shalimar Bagh, Bhogal, IIT Delhi, Kalka ji, CR Park and Chirag Delhi.

Tikri Border, Noida Border and Anand Vihar border were found to be the worst effected.

Interestingly, the report suggested that in certain areas, the PM level was higher during the odd-even phase, when compared to there was no odd even.

Going by the overall average, it appears as though the Delhi government failed to curb the pollution level.

However, sources say that DPCC officials are now planning to consult the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, to find out the weather conditions in the Capital during the odd-even phase. Gopal Rai said that it is only after examining the report that a six-member committee, headed by Special Transport Commissioner K K Dahiya, will decide the future of the scheme.

Meanwhile, in its defense, the government has cited various reasons such as frequent fires, that have contributed to the PM level. Sources in the government also blamed the heat and several other contributory factors for reduction in the air quality.

Experts believe that it is not wise to implement the scheme in the summer season since the northwest wind could have adverse effects in the Capital region.