The Odd-Even formula in Delhi

The new year started in Delhi with the implementation of the odd-even formula wherein the visitors as well as the residents of Delhi are to drive their odd-numbered vehicles only on odd days and those having even numbered vehicles can only ride them on even days. The air pollution levels in Delhi have really gone up in the past few months and the huge number of vehicles plying on the roads are the biggest contributors to the menace. The environmentalists had been harping on the issue for so long but their pleas fell on deaf ears. Finally the Government of Delhi has woken up to the issue (all thanks to the Supreme Court who intervened at the right moment) and has come up with the odd-even formula. Even though this is on a trial basis and is going to be tried for fifteen days to see whether the pollution levels come down or not, but it is worth giving a try. Even if it doesn't succeed fully in bringing down the pollution levels, at least it gives a chance to the citizens of Delhi to do something positive for their own city. After all, pollution is affecting each one of us the same way.

 In fact I think, even other cities that are facing the problem of air pollution can also try this odd-even formula. The air quality standards have deteriorated in almost all of the major Indian cities. We cannot afford to keep ignoring the problem of air pollution any more. Continuous exposure to the harmful gases leads to cardio-respiratory problems like lung cancer, asthma, heart attacks and other serious illnesses. Why take a chance?

P.S.: Image courtesy: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/photo/50153198.cms