So, people seem to be talking a lot about the massive issue with air pollution in the capital of our nation. You may have also come across quotes like, “air pollution in Delhi is two times more worse than it is in Beijing” and “the growth of air pollution in Delhi over the span of a single year is around five times.” It does not matter whether you believe these metrics or not, witnessing the scenario through countless other sources both local and international is more than enough; you do not need to conduct a research inquire. Simply put, walking out of the immigration center of RS2218 at Delhi airport can be considered as evidence in itself.

Work commutes used to be a lot more entertaining especially in the region of Delhi but that is sadly a thing of the past now. For anyone to comprehend the extent of this situation, all variables which affect the air quality in a certain area should pass their thresholds and in the case of Delhi, all of them are surpassing theirs by considerable margins. On the bright side however, there is ample amount of data and research that one can reference to better comprehend such scenarios and situations.

According to the results of the research I conducted, the percentage of particulate pollutants found in the air of delhi is exceeding that of the air quality standard threshold set by the Indian government by approximately 3.5 times, whilst also exceeding the percentage suggested by the WHO by more than 13 times. To put it simply, India is in no way a standard when it comes to measuring air quality.

The Center for Science and Environment, Indian Council of Medical Research and the US-based Health Effects Institute made a joint study in 2013 and findings of their report show that India ranks as the seventh most hazardous country to the environment and it happens to be the third highest emitter of CO₂ in the world. Bearing in mind almost 70% of air pollution is caused by emissions from vehicles, it is understandable that pollution from vehicles has been set as a focus by the government. This aim of “effectively cut down vehicular pollution levels” had the Delhi government during the posting note of regulation to the World regarding vehicular emissions and implemented regulations.

A measure in this sequence states that the number of vehicles plying on delhi roads will be on a ration of odd registered vehicles to be used on one day and even registered vehicles on the next day. The intention is to limit the number of personal owned vehicles flying the air above the Delhi region every single day. While some observers such as journalists have already anticipated that this measure will not amount to achieving its intended goal, this move’s efficacy will depend on how we as a society in Delhi decide to tackle the situation.

The Delhi administration has correctly pointed out to the Public Transport Authorities to step up their services because of the increase in number of passengers which is anticipated because of the ‘odd even’ policy. However, we doubt the effectiveness of introducing some additional buses and metros in coping with the daily deflation of commuters.

In such a case, carpooling might just be the savior which will assist and provide a great deal of respite and every stakeholder the commuters, the authorities and the nature.

Out of all the alternatives available to us at this very moment it is carpooling which appears to be the most reasonable and the safest option to start with in the course of restoring delhiites dignity while also dealing with the threat of environmental pollution which is currently throttling the city.

As an Environment Friendly NGO aimed at protecting our nature’s resources and our economy by empowering citizens of this country with efficient car pooling options, our organization Greencar India appeals all the residents of Delhi to use carpooling in their routine tasks.

www.greencar.ngo is a secure and modern web application for responsible users to share useful information through which they are able to identify carpooling opportunities that are appropriate and safe. It is a dependable platform for individuals who want to share a vehicle along with the travel expenses.

As an organization operating in India as an NGO and providing such platform it is our Responsibility to seek out carpooling or ride-sharing strategic initiatives as a safe cost-effective method of helping the economy and the environment as it lowers the carbon footprints.