NEW DELHI: The AAP government's decision to go ahead with its second phase of odd-even car rationing scheme during April 15-30 may just serve a limited purpose unless Delhi along with neighbouring states -Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan-do not move on a comprehensive 360 degree approach agreed on last year.
The Centre is expected to argue this point when the matter relating to air pollution in the capital comes up before the Supreme Court on Friday.
"Every initiative has its importance, but (odd-even) is a short-term solution. The steps we (Centre) are taking offer a long-term solution to the problem", Javadekar told a news agency in an interview in Paldev, Madhya Pradesh. He also argued that the construction and demolition waste was one of the major contributors to the pollution in the NCR.
A start has been made by diversion of vehicles, environment compensation charge, restriction of pre-2006 vehicles entering Delhi, ban of registration of 2000 cc diesel cars, ensuring all taxis run CNG, availability of the cleaner fuel and controlling construction and road dust. But faster implementation of these and other decisions would make a real impact on pollution.
Just two days before the beginning of the first phase of the odd-even scheme, the environment ministry had on December 30, 2015 issued direction to all the states in the NCR and Delhi under Section 18 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution Act) 1981, earmarking a 42-point action plan to be undertaken within a year.
Though all the states had to take 14 actions immediately and nine within 30 days, much needs to be done on ground. As per the report with the environment ministry, Delhi has started some works as have some of the states but these measures may not be enough.
Immediate actions which the states were to take include de-congestion of pathways, steps to prevent parking of vehicles in the non-designated areas, ensure strict action against visibly polluting vehicles, action against open burning of bio-mass, leaves, tyres, ensure proper collection of horticulture waste and control of dust pollution at construction sites through appropriate cover among others.
Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar too made this point time and again, emphasising on the need to think on long-term comprehensive measures to deal with air pollution in the Capital. His ministry is expected to come out with comprehensive rules on dealing with construction and demolition waste in the country by the end of this month.
