The pilot odd-even scheme to curb pollution in the city became the buzzword on the social media with brickbats and bouquets for the Arvind Kejriwal Government. ‘Delhiites’ appeared to have accepted the Government’s policy to check vehicular pollution by going ahead with the scheme. Twitter handle of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the name of ‘AAP in News’ was hyper active to promote the implementation of the scheme as the Government left no stone unturned to ensure the success of the innovative plan.
The Pioneer took stock of frequent users of both Twitter and Facebook where some of them questioned the rationale while others nodded in affirmation with the even-odd scheme.
Delhiites took on to hashtag #evenyourodds that has been made entirely for the even-odd scheme and put across their views on the same. Where one user tweeted, “#EvenYourOdds Cheers 2 the Spirit of #Delhi for showing voluntarism 2wards bringing down pollution. You walked the talk.” Another user, underlining the brotherhood among Delhiites, tweeted, “To all delhiwalas... lets just do as much to contribute in the fight against pollution. The amazing people of this amazing city heeding to the call. lets bring down pollution.”
Some used their wit while extending their support to the 15-day pilot project and tweeted, “#EvenYourOdds @Arvindkejriwal All those who r complaining pollution levels on day 1 in #delhi r the same who complain of not having weight loss on day one at the Gym.”
One user tried to brief the positive impact of the scheme where he tweeted, “#EvenYourOdds Work from home, cycling, public transport, car-pool, CNG vehicles. All you need is the will! Nothing needs to be enforced then. It’s not only the roads which will be less crowded. Malls, parks, movie theaters and restaurants too will go a little quiet.”
The AAP-led Government went all out after it announced the scheme and used Twitter to express their opinion on the pilot project. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia’s bicycle riding picture was posted by ‘AAP in News’ whereas Transport Minister Gopal Rai’s every activity in favour of even-odd was put across using the same handle.
Meanwhile, Facebook also generated similar buzz favour of odd-even plan where users were seen encouraging the scheme and posting statuses and posts for the same. A user posted, “Delhi, you deserve a bow for taking up the challenge,” and another user wrote on his wall, “Congratulations Mr Kejriwal for bringing something unique to the capital.”
However, there were few in numbers who seem to be apprehensive on the long-run of the scheme and used the social media to express their discontentment for the same. A Twitter user posted, “Richie Riches are going to flout and poor will be exploited using the scheme #evenyourodds,” while a Facebook user posted, “Odd-Even is Odd and is only a mockery of common man.”c