New Delhi : A Joint study conducted by researchers at the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) and Evidence for Policy Design group at Harvard University found that the volume of respirable pollutants in the Delhi’s air reduced by 18 per cent during the odd-even scheme that regulated the plying of four-wheelers on roads for a fortnight. The study found “stark reductions” in pollutants around the noon hours from January 1 to 15.
While absolute pollution levels increased across the National Capital Region (NCR) in January as compared to the previous month, the levels in Delhi saw a “smaller increase” owing to the pilot license plate policy, the US-based study stated.
The impact was much “higher” during the hours when the scheme was in force as the gap between Delhi’s pollution and the neighbouring regions widened steadily until at least midnight, the study said.
The study has based its findings on Central Pollution Control Board and private portal IndiaSpend data.
The conclusion was arrived at by comparing Delhi’s pollution figures to that of Faridabad, Gurgaon and Noida, where the scheme was not enforced, as the NCR region has very similar weather conditions and are “equally exposed” to external factors affecting such as crop burning in the nearby states.
@Agency news
