Patna: Despite air pollution level in the state capital being almost equal to that of the national capital, adopting Delhi's one-week-old odd-even traffic formula to reduce pollution level in Patna is not being considered by the state government.
Patna traffic SP Prantosh Kumar Das said there is no such plan for the city at present. "Let us see how successful it is in Delhi. Implementing it in Patna will require huge manpower to ensure that there is no exception to the rule." Das also highlighted the need of a robust public transportation system in Patna for implementing the odd-even formula. "We need to give an alternative to the people, otherwise it is bound to fail. It may be possible once Metro rail starts plying in Patna," he said.
No such initiative is being mulled at the state transport department level either, said the department's principal secretary, Sujata Chaturvedi. Patna district transport officer SurendraJha said implementation of any such initiative will require close cooperation between transport department officials and local traffic administration. "However, no decision has been taken on the odd-even front right now," he told TOI.
Experts and commoners too pitch for a wait-and-watch policy to see the effect of the new transportation system on Delhi air. "People here lack basic traffic sense. They won't follow the rule, unless the administration makes really stringent rules, imposes heavy fine for violation and has enough manpower to ensure its compliance," says Kidwaipuri resident Preeti Tripathi, a 25-year-old professional working in Mumbai.
Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) had issued a five-point advisory to the state's chief secretary last month after taking into account that the air quality index (AQI) of Patna was 'severe' and 'very poor' in November and December, 2015. The advisory included measures such as not allowing movement of trucks through the main roads of the city, banning burning in open of garbage/waste, especially by the municipal bodies, and ensuring that building materials such as sand, mud or cement are covered during transportation for reducing pollution levels.
Patna's AQI was 430 (severe), one of the highest across India on Thursday.
Environmentalists say vehicular emission is a major reason for high air pollution in the city. "It is just one week since Delhi's odd-even formula has been implemented. We need to wait for its results, whether it helps in reducing pollution level or not, and only then decide if it is feasible in Patna as well," a senior BSPCB official said. Members of auto unions opposed it, saying it would adversely affect the income of auto drivers.
