Mr Rajiv Kakria is a well know civic activist. In this letter to Delhi Chief Minister Mr Arvind Kejriwal, he takes a holistic look at the odd even formula and how to- at the same time- not ignore the other causative factors that result in pollution.
February 6, 2016
Dear Mr Kejriwal,
When Columbus set out in search of India, he ended up discovering America. ODD / EVEN challenge too has ended up discovering additional benefits.
While curbing pollution was the stated purpose of the ODD / EVEN Formula, many more benefits have accrued. App Based Pooling of Cars and Taxies will lead to 30% to 70% household savings on fuel. Less congestion on roads will surely lead to many Health benefits.
There are calls for extending the experiment and look to make it permanent. I too believe that the GOOD HABITS CULTIVATED during the fortnight long experiment should not be wasted and the Odd / Even Formula should be implemented periodically.
The success of the Program should not be taken for Granted: We need to analyze what REALLY MADE IT SUCCESSFUL?
The way Forward: PREPARE A THREE YEAR CIVIC ROADMAP (Short, Medium and Long Term), with clear deadlines with the help of Data Collected and Additional Surveys:-
SHORT TERM Measures:
MEDIUM TERM Measures:
LONG TERM Measures:
I have restricted my suggestions to Road Congestion Solutions. Once the Short and Medium Term targets are met, then the exemptions given to Women and Two Wheelers can be withdrawn. Till then ODD / EVEN Formula should be imposed during school vacations or every alternate month for one week, to keep the momentum going.
I congratulate you on the success of the first experiment and for constantly being open to suggestions. Finally, pollution too will be curbed through collective effort and going after THE REAL POLLUTERS, ie, Dust, Trucks, Generators, Waste Burning, etc.
Warm Regards,
Rajiv Kakria
New Delhi