Delhi’s air quality severe; slight relief likely ahead of Diwali – ET EnergyWorld
Delhi's air quality severe; slight relief likely ahead of Diwali ETEnergyWorld
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Delhi’s air quality severe; slight relief likely ahead of Diwali
Introduction
Delhi’s air quality has been recorded in the “severe” category, with a marginal improvement expected just ahead of Diwali. Neighbouring cities such as Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Noida, Greater Noida, and Faridabad have also reported very bad air quality.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The severe air quality in Delhi and its neighboring cities has significant implications for several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified air pollution as a major health risk, affecting respiratory health and increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, the high levels of pollution contribute to climate change and environmental degradation, impacting SDGs related to climate action, clean energy, and sustainable cities and communities.
Measures to Improve Air Quality
The Indian government and local authorities have implemented various measures to improve air quality in Delhi. These include:
- Banning app-based taxis in accordance with the Supreme Court’s orders
- Implementing the odd-even car-rationing scheme
- Rescheduling the winter break of schools to reduce vehicular traffic
- Planning to induce artificial rain through cloud seeding
- Enforcing stringent restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
Contributing Factors
The main contributing factors to the air pollution in Delhi are:
- Stubble burning in neighboring states, particularly Punjab and Haryana
- Transport emissions
- Paddy-straw burning
- Firecrackers
- Other local pollution sources
Conclusion
The severe air quality in Delhi and its neighboring cities highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address air pollution and improve public health. It is crucial to prioritize sustainable development goals related to clean air, climate action, and sustainable cities to ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. No Poverty
- Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology, and financial services including microfinance.
- Indicator: None mentioned in the article.
3. Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator: None mentioned in the article.
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
- 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.
- Indicator: None mentioned in the article.
13. Climate Action
- Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
- Indicator: None mentioned in the article.
15. Life on Land
- Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
- Indicator: None mentioned in the article.
17. Partnerships for the Goals
- Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources, to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in all countries, in particular developing countries.
- Indicator: None mentioned in the article.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| No Poverty | Target 1.4 | None mentioned in the article |
| Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9 | None mentioned in the article |
| Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6 | None mentioned in the article |
| Climate Action | Target 13.1 | None mentioned in the article |
| Life on Land | Target 15.1 | None mentioned in the article |
| Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.16 | None mentioned in the article |
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: energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com
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