Delhi govt to hold meet on re-introduction of Odd-Even
8 Nov 2016 12:43 AM GMT
The Delhi government will hold an assessment meeting later this week on re-introduction of the Odd-Even scheme even as sources indicated that the third phase of the car-rationing plan may be introduced during the winter break of schools.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said the AAP government was mulling over the possibility of bringing back the Odd-Even scheme.
“Transport Minister Satyendar Jain will hold a meeting with his department officials on re-introduction of the Odd-Even scheme in the next two-three days. In the meeting, transport department will be asked to a feasibility study on third phase of car-rationing scheme,” said a government official.
However, sources said that government has no plan to immediately introduce the scheme in Delhi as it requires detailed planning.
“In December and January, schools are closed due to winter break. The government may take a decision to introduce third round of Odd-Even scheme,’ they said.
“From January 1 to January 15 this year, government had implemented first round of the scheme when schools were closed following winter holidays,” they said, adding that second phase had been introduced from April 15 to April 30.
According to government, two phases of car-rationing scheme were successfully implemented following which pollution level reduced.
DEATH BREATH
Delhiites have been in tears for the past 7 days and it’s solely because the pollution has been hurting their eyes. The dangerous levels of air pollution have led to the government shutting down schools and construction work in the city. Tackling this severe pollution, certain serious measures need to be taken immediately like:
ARTIFICIAL RAIN USING CLOUD SEEDING
Cloud seeding is the process of inducing precipitation from the sky using silver iodide, dry ice or common salt crystals. These chemicals are sprayed into the air with the help of a rocket, a plane or a helicopter, in order to stimulate cloud condensation which in turn results in rain or snow. Unlike China, cloud seeding initiatives in India have been largely unsuccessful. However, at this point, it’s worth a try, even if it is a costly affair.
SMOG SUCKING MACHINES
The world’s largest smog-cleaning machine was invented by a Dutch designer Daan Roosegaarde with a vision to help urban parks and cities get rid of pollution. The seven-meter-tall air purifier cleans 30,000 cubic meters of air per hour of ultra-fine smog and converts it into smog-free bubbles in public spaces. The enormous machine is said to run on just 1,400 watts, the power taken by a water boiler.
VACUUM CLEANING OF ROADS
In a bid to rein in pollution in the Capital, the Delhi government has decided to procure between 15 and 20 vacuum cleaning machines for roads. The PWD started the water sprinkling exercise on Sunday. Vacuum cleaning on the PWD’s 1,250-km road network was introduced in April, but was stopped once the monsoon set in. Now, to tackle dust pollution, the government plans to install mist fountains at five important traffic intersections including Mukarba Chowk and Anand Vihar, which is the most polluted area of the city.
ENCLOSED PARKS
A London-based architecture and design firm proposes construction of enclosed parks within the city suffering from heavy pollution. As per reports, the park will house a botanical garden and the air inside the park will be clean. The temperature and humidity inside the enclosure will be controlled throughout the year as well. It also says that “the buildings surrounding the park, which are connected to the controlled air system, can house apartments, offices and retail, but may also offer sports or medical facilities which make specific use of the healthy air.”
Control fire in landfill sites
MCD has been asked to take all measures to control fire in landfill sites, particularly Bhalswa. They shall be doing so by using PWD construction/demolition malba and sludge generated by DJB, if required.
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