Describing news reports of rising level of pollution despite implementation of odd-even formula as “myths” based on “half facts”, Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai said vehicular pollution in inner Delhi has gone down significantly. He said against an average of 400-465 ug/m3 of particulate matter PM 2.5 levels in December the pollution level recorded in different parts of inner Delhi has been below 300 ug/m3.
However, according to Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) data published on its website throughout December, the level of PM 2.5 constantly stayed below 300 ug/m3 (except on a few days).
Meanwhile, Rai also asserted that the odd-even formula will be continued till January 15. The announcement comes a day after the Delhi High Court asked the Delhi Government to consider if the scheme could be restricted to a week in light of “inconvenience” caused to the public.
“The purpose of this scheme is to collect sufficient data. So the scheme will continue till January 15 after which, the data collected will be analysed and further decision will be taken,” he said.
Claiming that pollution due to vehicles has actually gone down in inner Delhi, Rai said, “Everyone is saying that odd-even formula has made Delhi congestion-free, but what about pollutionIJ They are claiming that pollution has not come down but has actually increased. These are all myths based on half facts. People are confusing PM 10 with PM 2.5 when the latter has nothing to do with vehicular pollution. The main cause of PM10 is dust while PM 2.5 is caused by vehicle emissions. While there is no significant drop in PM10 levels, PM2.5 has decreased after implementation of odd-even scheme.”
Claiming that level of PM 10 has dropped by around 25 per cent in the inner parts of Delhi, Rai added, “In December, the average of PM 2.5 levels was between 400 and 465 ug/m3. But we have measured the same in 18 places on Wednesday and all those 18 places in inner Delhi have shown readings below 300. And that too with January weather which sees rise in pollution levels. In absence if odd-even scheme, these levels would have touched 450-500 ug/m3.”
However, he clarifies that not much effect of the odd-even scheme has been observed in the border areas of Delhi. “But in interiors, it has gone down, which is based on scientific understanding. When 50 percent of cars are not coming on the roads, it is natural that they won’t be emitting any particulate matter. Also, the vehicles that are plying, even they are finishing their journeys in half the time due to low congestion on the roads. So those vehicles are also being used for half the time further reducing emissions. Then it is natural that pollution level would also go down,” he added.