Delhi: Worry over toxic air as pollution worsens – BBC.com
Delhi: Worry over toxic air as pollution worsens BBC.com
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Air Quality in Delhi Deteriorates to Severe Levels
Situation Overview
Air quality in India’s capital Delhi has deteriorated to severe and extremely poor levels in the past few days, data shows.
Pollution levels crossed 25-30 times the World Health Organization (WHO)’s recommended safe limit at several locations in the city last week.
Experts have warned that the situation will worsen in the coming days due to weather conditions, use of firecrackers during the festival of Diwali on Thursday, and burning of crop remains in neighboring states.
Delhi and several northern Indian cities report extreme levels of air pollution between October and January every year, causing disruption to businesses, shutting down of schools and offices.
Impact of Air Pollution
The levels of tiny particulate matter (known as PM 2.5), which can enter deep into the lungs and cause a host of diseases, reached as high as 350 micrograms per cubic meter in some areas on Monday, data from government-run Safar website shows.
According to the website, air quality is categorized as very poor when PM 2.5 levels reach 300 to 400, and it’s termed severe when the limit reaches 400-500.
Delhi gets enveloped in a thick blanket of smog every winter due to smoke, dust, low wind speed, vehicular emissions, and crop stubble burning.
In November and December, farmers in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana burn crop stubble to clear their fields.
Farming groups say they need financial and technical help to find alternative ways of clearing crop remains, but government schemes have so far not been effective.
The smoke from firecrackers set off during Diwali adds to the problem.
Like every year, the Delhi government has announced a complete ban on the manufacturing, storage, and sale of fireworks ahead of the festival, which falls later this week.
But such bans have not been completely effective in the past as people source fireworks from other states.
The Delhi government has also enacted its Graded Response Action Plan, known as GRAP, to tackle pollution.
It bans all activities which involve the use of coal and firewood, as well as diesel generator use for non-emergency services.
Authorities in Delhi have warned residents to stay indoors as much as possible and have curbed construction activity in the city.
They have also urged people to use public transport to cut vehicular emissions.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| 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 | Levels of tiny particulate matter (PM 2.5) in the air |
| 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 levels in Delhi |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries | Air pollution caused by crop stubble burning and firecrackers |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The issue of severe air pollution in Delhi is directly connected to SDG 3, as it poses a significant threat to public health and well-being. The high levels of particulate matter in the air can cause various diseases and illnesses.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article highlights the adverse impact of air pollution on cities, specifically Delhi. This connects to SDG 11, which aims to create sustainable cities and communities. Improving air quality is an important aspect of achieving this goal.
SDG 13: Climate Action
The article mentions the factors contributing to air pollution in Delhi, including crop stubble burning and firecrackers during Diwali. These activities have a negative impact on climate and air quality, making SDG 13 relevant to the issue.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination
The severe air pollution in Delhi poses a threat to public health, aligning with Target 3.9 under SDG 3. The target aims to reduce the number of deaths and illnesses caused by air pollution.
Target 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
The article emphasizes the adverse impact of air pollution on cities, particularly Delhi. Target 11.6 under SDG 11 aims to reduce the per capita environmental impact of cities, with a specific focus on air quality.
Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries
The article mentions the factors contributing to air pollution in Delhi, such as crop stubble burning and firecrackers during Diwali. These activities have a negative impact on climate and air quality, aligning with Target 13.1 under SDG 13.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions the levels of tiny particulate matter (PM 2.5) in the air, which can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 3.9 under SDG 3. Additionally, the article discusses air quality levels in Delhi, which can serve as an indicator for Target 11.6 under SDG 11. The article also implies the need to measure air pollution caused by crop stubble burning and firecrackers, which can be used as an indicator for Target 13.1 under SDG 13.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| 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 | Levels of tiny particulate matter (PM 2.5) in the air |
| 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 levels in Delhi |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries | Air pollution caused by crop stubble burning and firecrackers |
Source: bbc.com
