Delhi Pollution: Odd-Even Formula will Make it Odd

Newsclick interviewed D.Raghunandan, member of Delhi Science Forum, on the issue of deteriorating environment in Delhi due to rise in pollution. According to him, government authorities lack the vision to curb pollution and bring it down to safer levels. Lack of planning in strengthening the public transport system, poor infrastructure development, along with inappropriate steps on development have led to a situation of chaos and increase in pollution. Development agendas often result in unplanned execution of projects without taking into account the extent of damage it causes to environment. Raghunandan argued that India has still not recognized the feasibility of non-motorised vehicles. Therefore, safety covers, which many developing countries have successfully understood and implemented, haven’t yet been provisioned for pedestrians and bicycle travelers, in India. Pollution checking cannot be successfully realized without carrying systematic changes in policies at the macro level. Unmindful implementation of policies is mere eye-wash.