Phase 2 of the odd-even formula of the Delhi government for curbing air pollution and vehicular congestion on the roads was initiated yesterday. This is a repeat of the surprisingly successful first phase implemented in January 2016 which appeared to have had a lasting positive impact on Delhi’s otherwise unruly road users. Things are bit different this time around; here is what you should know about odd-even phase 2:
Implementation is stricter this time around
Phase 2 of the Odd Even scheme started on 15th April and will continue till 30th April 2016. Where phase one seemed to be in the nature of a suggestion with serious consequences being fewer, phase two seems to mean business. While the terms are still the same – women are exempt, public transport, emergency vehicles and VIP vehicles are exempt; the formula is applicable between 8 AM and 8 PM every day except Sunday – this time the enforcement agencies have decided to be stricter with violators. 1,000 additional Civil Defence volunteers will also be added to the previous number of 4000.
This time around two thousand traffic personnel including 58 inspectors are manning about two hundred intersections across the city to catch and reprimand violators. Plus citizens are being requested to do some social policing themselves. TV and radio ads not only urge people to follow the Odd –Even rule themselves, citizens are also being urged to request others to follow the rule.
What happened on Day One of Odd-Even Phase 2
On day 1 of Phase 1 (1st January), some 138 challans or fines had been imposed on violators. By contrast well over a thousand challans were issued on Day 1 of Phase 2. The Delhi police imposed 884 challans whereas the city’s transport department issued some 427 challans on the very first day.
We will see the real impact of odd-even only on Monday, 18th April when schools as well as offices reopen on Monday after this long weekend. Another significant difference is that the first time around, all Delhi schools were closed for the two weeks that odd-even was on. This time around schools are on.
Also this time around the rule is being applied in summer as against phase 1 in January when it was easier for people to walk short distances or walk to the bus/metro stop. Tempers are bound to be hotter, in keeping with the climate!
Author – Reena Daruwalla
