Air pollution in India’s New Delhi turns ‘severe’, some schools shut

Air pollution in India's New Delhi turns 'severe', some schools shut  Reuters India

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Nov 3, 2023 - 04:30
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Air pollution in India’s New Delhi turns ‘severe’, some schools shut




Air Pollution in New Delhi Reaches Severe Levels

Introduction

People in New Delhi woke up to a thick layer of toxic haze on Friday, and some schools were ordered to be shut for two days as the air quality index (AQI) entered the “severe” category in several parts of the Indian capital.

Background

A filthy smog forms over Delhi every winter as cold, heavy air traps construction dust, vehicle emissions and smoke from crop stubble burning in neighbouring states, causing a surge in respiratory illnesses among the city’s 20 million people.

Current Situation

Residents on Friday complained of irritation in the eyes and itchy throats with the air turning a dense grey as the AQI hovered around 480 in some monitoring stations in the city.

Impact on Health

An AQI of 0-50 is considered good while anything between 400-500 affects healthy people and is a danger to those with existing diseases.

World’s Most Polluted City

New Delhi topped a real-time list on Friday of the world’s most polluted cities compiled by Swiss group IQAir which put the India’s capital’s AQI at 611 in the ‘hazardous’ category.

Causes of the Spike in AQI

“Unfavourable meteorological conditions, sudden increase in the farm fire incidents and north-westerly winds moving the pollutants to Delhi are the major causes for sudden spike in AQI,” the region’s Commission for Air Quality Management said on Thursday.

Measures Taken

Authorities ordered primary, or elementary, schools to remain shut on Friday and Saturday, while most construction work in the region has been suspended.

Increase in Demand for Air Purifiers

Some suppliers of air purifier filters in the region said there was a shortage as demand had suddenly spiked.

Impact on Cricket World Cup

This year, attention on the worsening air quality has cast a shadow over the cricket World Cup hosted by India, with financial capital Mumbai also suffering from a spike in the pollution levels.

Upcoming World Cup Match

Delhi hosts a World Cup match next on Monday between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Past Pollution Rankings

Last year, Bhiwadi in northern India was the country’s most polluted city and third in the world, according to IQAir. New Delhi was fourth while Pakistan’s Lahore and China’s Hotan topped the list.

Conclusion

In conclusion

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  • SDG 13: Climate Action

The article discusses the issue of air pollution in New Delhi, which has significant implications for public health (SDG 3). It also highlights the impact of pollution on cities and communities, as well as the need for climate action to address the underlying causes of air pollution.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

  • SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.

  • SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.

  • SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

The targets identified are directly related to the issues discussed in the article. They focus on reducing deaths and illnesses caused by air pollution, improving air quality in cities, and building resilience to climate-related hazards.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

  • Air Quality Index (AQI): The article mentions that the AQI in New Delhi entered the “severe” category, indicating the level of air pollution.

  • Number of respiratory illnesses: The article highlights the surge in respiratory illnesses among the population of New Delhi due to air pollution.

These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the targets by monitoring changes in air quality and the prevalence of respiratory illnesses in the affected population.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. – Air Quality Index (AQI)
– Number of respiratory illnesses
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. – Air Quality Index (AQI)
SDG 13: Climate Action 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. – Air Quality Index (AQI)

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: reuters.com

 

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