Car-rationing failed to lower pollution

Contrary to the perception that the odd-even formula had brought down air pollution, air samples collected from 74 locations across the national capital show that both PM10 and PM2.5 levels have gone up during the car rationing scheme. The data collected by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee before the 15-day drive from April 6 to April 14 showed that the air pollution level was far less than the days since the scheme was implemented from April 15.

The AAP government is reportedly in the process of getting the data scientifically analysed from Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. Only once the data, which stunned one and all in the city administration, is analysed threadbare, the AAP government will take a call over the implementation of the next phase of the car rationing formula.

PM10 is particulate matter 10 micrometers or less in diameter. PM2.5, generally described as fine particles, is particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter. By way of comparison, a human hair is about 100 micrometers, so roughly 40 fine particles could be placed on its width. While PM10 particulates include dust, pollen and mold spores, PM2.5 includes combustion particles, organic compounds and metals.

Among the locations from where the samples were collected are ITO, Pragati Maidan, India Gate, Shah Jehan Road, Khan Market, Janpath, Race Course Road, Akbar Road, Jantar Mantar, Shivaji Stadium, Kashmere Gate, Delhi Secretariat, AIIMS, Dhaula Kuan, Ghazipur, Vidhan Sabha, Shahdara, Noida border, Nizamuddin Railway Station, Gurgaon border, Janakpuri, Madhuban Chowk, Munirka, Paschim Vihar, CGO Complex, Badli, Burari, Nand Nagri, Anand Vihar, Badarpur, Gokalpur, Dwarka, Tikri Border, Rajouri Garden, Ashram and Bajanpura.

Before the second phase of the scheme was enforced on April 15, the PM10 levels were 118, 184, 170 and 232 from April 6 to April 9. These levels were 168, 181, 182 and 160 from April 11 to April 14. After the scheme was enforced, the PM10 levels recorded were 199, 175, 167, 246, 196, 156, 150 and 159 from April 15 till April 23 respectively. These levels stood at 198 and 180 on April 25 and April 26 respectively.

Prior to the introduction of the scheme, the PM2.5 levels recorded from April 6 to April 9 were 47, 92, 95 and 115 respectively. These levels were 42, 53, 54 and 56 from April 11 till April 14. After the second phase of the scheme, PM2.5 recorded from April 15 to April 23 were 76, 67, 63, 102, 73, 49, 53 and 58 respectively. These levels stood at 78 and 75 on April 25 and April 26 respectively.