Assessment of impact of Odd-Even Scheme on air quality of Delhi
The Government of NCT of Delhi had implemented odd-even scheme from 1st to 15th January, 2016 with the objective of reducing air pollution in Delhi. The odd-even scheme applied to four wheeler Passenger/Private Cars. The public transport buses, two wheelers, trucks, CNG operated passenger/private cars, three wheeler were exempted from the scheme. In addition, cars driven by women were also exempted apart from a select number of VIP and emergency vehicles. The air quality in Delhi is monitored through a set of Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System (CAAQMS) and manual stations (NAMP). The present analysis is based on the data collected by CPCB from 08 operational CAQMSs including 04 of its own (Shadipur, Dwarka, Dilshad Garden & Parivesh Bhawan) and 04 belonging to DPCC (Mandir Masg, R. K. Puram, Punjabi Bagh & Anand Vihar). Apart from this, data has also been collected from 07 manual stations of CPCB (Pitampura, Sirifort, Janakpuri, Nizamuddin, Shahzada Bagh, Shahdara & BSZ Marg) which operate on alternate days. The overall contribution of vehicular pollution in ambient air in Delhi during winter season is estimated to be around 20-25% in respect of PM10 and PM2.5. However, in terms of emission load, it contributes about 9% and 20% respectively for PM10 and PM2.5, as per IIT Kanpur study, of which the 4-wheeler passenger cars contribute about 10%. The odd-even scheme could have theoretically contributed to PM reductions in respect of exhaust emissions from off-road odd or even cars, marginal reduction in road dust and secondary particulates.