AAP mulls ‘permanent’ odd-even

Buoyed by the success of the “odd-even” car restrictions formula, a serious debate is now on within the AAP government on how to make it a permanent feature in the near future to lower air pollution in one of the worst-polluted cities in the world.

The 15-day car rationing scheme, which ends on Friday, has set off a major debate on how the AAP government can implement the scheme for longer periods to bring down air pollution. The government has already decided to observe the 22nd of every month as a car-free day in different pockets of the city. A highly-placed source said any decision on an extension of the “odd-even” policy will only be taken after experts are through with in-depth analysis of the air pollution data gathered across the city during the drive. “If the results are encouraging, the matter will be debated with experts before any final decision is taken on this matter.”

The source said many within the government feel that the “odd-even” formula should be implemented for not less than three months across the city. But experts have also said that before taking any such decision, the government should ensure public transport is in order and “last-mile connectivity” was available across the entire city.