Odd-even last resort in Beijing, work on to phase out bikes

NEW DELHI: At a time when the government is deliberating on making the odd-even scheme permanent, Delhi may have a lesson to learn from Beijing.

The Chinese capital that competes with Delhi in air pollution, odd-even restrictions are implemented as a temporary measure on red alert days.

Red alert days are days when there is a forecast of high pollution levels over three days. In addition to cars being allowed to ply on alternate days, in Beijing, during the scheme, 30% government vehicles are banned.

“These are the mandatory emission control measures on days of red alert. It is only the electric vehicles which are given an exception,” said Zeng Jinghai, principle staff member of Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau. Jinghai was addressing on Tuesday the Centre for Science and Environment conclave In addition to cars being allowed to ply on alternate days, in Beijing, during the scheme, 30% govt vehicles are banned on red alert days It also focuses on increased mechanical cleaning and washing of roads with recycled water and reduction of coal use in power plants, promoting green energy — Our Right to Clean Air.

In Beijing, odd-even rationing is generally the last resort and the government has several other measures in place, such as stopping construction activities, limiting production of polluting plants and banning heavy duty vehicles.

Beijing has been actively working to eliminate two-wheelers and encourage use of electric cars. “We have stopped the registration of the new two-wheelers and Hanoi on the other has stricter enforcement of in-use vehicle emissions It encourages use electric cars, E-bikes, LPG taxis It pushes for scrapping of old vehicles which use dirty fuels The focus is on improving public transport with Mass Transit System, etc for the old ones there are strict checks,” said Jinghai.

Officials from Hanoi in Vietnam also highlighted the need to check emission standards to control pollution.

“Our government has been working on stricter enforcement of vehicle emission standards. It is not only automobile inspection but the government also has plans to check motorcycle emission,” said Phan Quynh Nhu of the Vietnam Clean Air Partnership.