During the second phase of the 15-day odd-even scheme to be started on April 6, the Delhi Government is planning to rope in three companies to analyse pollution levels at various locations with a special focus on the border areas of the national Capital where particulate matters are recorded on the higher side.
The Government is expected to spend about Rs 22 lakh on collection of air samples and their in-depth analysis for further extending the odd-even formula on the basis of scientific findings in the near future.
At a recent meeting, a decision was taken that both Nevco Engineers and Alfa Tech Services will be collecting 15 samples each from 15 different locations every day, except Sundays. The Rave Innovation will, however, be collecting 44 samples from 44 locations.
While Nevco Engineers has a mobile van equipped with monitoring instruments to monitor ambient air data for 12 hours, Rave Innovation and Alfa Tech Services has facility to monitor air data for eight hours only.
The Government’s bid to get scientific analysis of the air pollution done before and during scheme is to establish how the car rationing scheme is going to impact the air quality in the city. “Once we are convinced that odd-even is bringing down air pollution levels, we will design the third phase in a much more scientific manner,” a senior bureaucrat told The Pioneer.
“At the end of the day we have to see that Delhiites not only get rid of traffic snarls but also are able to breathe quality air,” said the officer.
Also, the Delhi Cabinet will soon deliberate upon a proposal on whether to bring Union Ministers under the ambit of the scheme.
A proposal pending with the Government has suggested that like Delhi Government Ministers, including Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, all the Central Ministers should also be brought under the ambit of odd-even scheme.
Similarly, the Delhi Government may continue exemption to women.
The final announcement would be made within two days.
“The Delhi Cabinet seems to be divided on this issue. If there is a division of opinion in the Cabinet, the Government will send the proposal to the Union Government,” said sources.
A senior officer said the Government was also mulling the idea to bring women under the odd-even scheme following a survey report by the Transport Department suggesting that 50 per cent women wanted no concessions during the drive. “Many women were of the view that they should be treated at par with their men counterparts,” the officer said, adding, “But the final call on the matter would be taken at the highest level within the Government.”