Cough master – Kejriwal cracks the whip (NDTV pix)
The odd-even formula has struck like boarding school after a jaunty summer vacation. Though we are aware the restrictive regiment is for our own good – Delhi pollution levels are 15 times higher than the WHO standard, capable of claiming up to three years of our lives – as true Delhiites we have to groan and gripe: At the inadequate public transport infrastructure, at the laxity on part of cops to challan offenders who flaunt political connections, at flouters flaunting political connection, at the government non-committal about extending the de-congesting, de-polluting formula beyond a meagre fortnight despite all the throes and woes of a higgledy-piggledy inculcation. My personal grouse is exempting the president and the prime minister from the rule which at worst would cut down their cavalcade by half. And Chanakyapuri would have moved faster. Damn politics.
Whether we like it – if anything cleaner air in our lungs – or not we still have to put up with the odd-even restrictions at least till the mid of this month. After a scheduled meeting got pushed (‘See, my car number is…’) I began to look at ways of weaving my way around the formula. Some might be handy so you may not hex the attempt as anachronistic. And some are my personal suggestions to make this earnest effort a success – and see it going beyond January 15.
Beats ’em all
- The best way around the odd-even formula is on a motorbike – the least congesting and polluting of conveyances – which is also exempt from the rule. Tip: Do keep your PUC updated especially if you ride one of the bigger motorcycles.
- While carpooling has emerged the single most momentous realisation of the times many are still wary of sharing rides with strangers. Instead of registering with any of the dozen odd ride-sharing apps you should probably inquire around your own apartment – or the one next door – for commuters in the same direction. A simple announcement in the notice board should do the trick. A great way to get to know your neighbours too!
- Delhi transport minister, Gopal Rai, talked a good game today (January 4, Monday), the litmus test day, as he rode public transport to work. He also warned of fringe elements from the capital region entering Delhi with malafide intentions to breach the rule and create chaos. Instead of asking these toe-rags to pay the Rs 2000 fine or return to the cavities they came from, they should be jailed for holding to ransom the health of an entire populace. Again, politics be damned.
- Instead of fining offenders on the spot – about 200 drivers were challaned till afternoon on January 4 – and causing traffic jams, cops should let them go after documenting photographic evidence of the violation. The fine can be collected later – like speeding offences caught by hidden cameras. (Can ask Kerala Police for tips here.)
- Even after January 15 – when the odd-even rule gets over and schools reopen – school buses should be put to ply between Metro stations and residential areas / apartments when they are not in use by the school.
- It is not just vehicles that cause pollution but unbridled construction is also an equal culprit. Curtaining off construction sites from public roads and utilities will go a long way in bringing down the particulate matter that is choking us.
