DNA Edit: That odd thing about AAP

Even before it took off, the Delhi government decided to roll back on its odd-even scheme. The scheme, which alternatively bars even and odd numbered cars from plying on Delhi roads was meant, in some measure, to stem the rise and rise of noxious elements in the air that the larger NCR and surrounding areas are breathing. Even if the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government had its heart in the right place, its preparation was way off the mark.

Enthusiastic policy adventures without requisite pre-planning make for a disaster. Resorting to the odd-even scheme as a stop-gap arrangement will only work to disillusion the public from its marginal efficacy. In its latest avatar in April 2016, the odd-even scheme had created a host of problems for the people of Delhi. Unlike its first stint, when the AAP government had earned a lot of political currency, the second stint was a failure which saw people willingly break rules, valuing convenience over concern for the environment.

Before the third stint of the policy could take off, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) raised some valid questions, which effectively coaxed the government into shelving the scheme. While the NGT was keen on having the scheme implemented without any exception, the government understood that its public transportation was not up to the task of bearing the added pressure that would come from banning two-wheelers. Other state governments would do well to learn from AAP’s example. The takeaway is fairly simple: Do not attempt easy solutions for complex, seemingly intractable problems. The jarring issue of environment pollution needs a multi-faceted approach, along with access to dedicated resources and a delineated roadmap on achieving targeted milestones.