Time to save Delhi, not to mock Kejriwal

Let me begin with the disclaimer that neither I am in support or against AAP or its philosophy. 

Recently the Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal announced his government's intent to fight pollution in Delhi. The announcement of plying odd-even number cars on alternate days has brought in mixed reactions from citizens and experts from all over. Social media has been flooded with jokes mocking the government's decision. However I think rather than mocking the government its time that Delhites come together to save Delhi else soon you will have to find new places to live. 

The day this plan was announced it became a trending topic on Facebook and Twitter, with maximum people mocking this announcement. Whatsapp jokes started to be exchanged. But no one lauded the government's intent to announce a bold measure to tackle a grave problem. Had people done shown some support to the government's intent and pledged to support the government; it  would have contributed in a long way to save toxic Delhi.  

Delhi is the 2nd most populated city in the world and 9th in terms of population density. Just like any container with a full capacity the Delhi city state has reached its maximum limit. The problem is not that public transport in Delhi is underdeveloped infact DTC is the world's largest fleet of CNG buses, but the problem is lack of opportunities in other parts of the country which makes people to migrate to Delhi in search of work and education. We need to create employment opportunities and educational infrastructure so that migration of people to Delhi reduces. 

Another point being put forward is that rich people will buy more cars and the scheme is most likely to result in a negative impact. However my point to all rich people in Delhi is If billionaires like Manoj Bhargava, Mark Zuckerberg and others can commit their 99% wealth towards philanthropic activities, can't you take to public transport. Come on take it as a challenge to prove the general consensus wrong and show everyone that yes you can. 

One question which is on everyone's mind is how will the government by able to implement this, for this one can easily go back to the Commonwealth Games when even the law of lane driving was obeyed by people of Delhi, for the simple reason the law being framed was checked strictly and the offenders were punished thus giving a clear message to people to obey the law. In a similar manner the odd-even law has to be enforced and the guilty punished so as to create a respect for law in the minds of people. 

This will be an opportunity for bus aggregators like  Shuttl, Zipgo, Ola and others to tap into new customers segments. For example people who come so adding specialized routes from border to nearest metro station will be a definite need of people. This will also give rise to managed parking space around the Delhi border so that people can park their cars and travel to Delhi using the next available Shuttl.

I hope we all come together to save Delhi and once again make it "Dilwalon ki Dilli". 

Just before I conclude here is a suggestion for the government which will definitely in reducing traffic and pollution both. Make Sunday a compulsory holiday similar to Europe where everything is closed on Sunday. Only essential services like hospitals etc should work else malls, markets and even restaurants should be closed. This will not only ensure valuable energy savings but since people won't have anything to do outside they will prefer to be indoors thus preventing pollution. This will also ensure that people spend quality time with family. The government has kept commercial vehicles out of ambit of this rule, however commercial vehicles also pollute. The government should enforce an off day for commercial vehicles. 

I wish and hope the government with right intention and citizens together can help get Delhi out of this toxic problem.