Hyderabad to monitor PM10 and PM2.5 levels at construction sites – Telangana Today

Report on Hyderabad’s Air Quality Monitoring Initiative in Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction

The government of Telangana has initiated a mandatory program for monitoring air quality at construction and stone crusher sites within Hyderabad. This report details the new policy, which requires the installation of low-cost sensors for real-time tracking of particulate matter. The initiative represents a significant step towards achieving key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning public health, urban sustainability, and environmental protection.

2.0 Background and Problem Analysis

The mandate was issued in response to a growing number of public complaints regarding deteriorating air quality and visible dust clouds originating from construction and debris-dumping sites. This situation poses a direct threat to several SDGs.

• Public Health Crisis (SDG 3): Ambient air quality analysis reveals that levels of Particulate Matter PM10 (large dust particles) and PM2.5 (tiny, inhalable particles) often double or triple at active sites. Global health studies confirm that PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing significant respiratory and other health issues, undermining the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being.
• Urban Environmental Degradation (SDG 11): Uncontrolled dust pollution contributes to the adverse environmental impact of cities, directly conflicting with the objective of making urban settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
• Regulatory Challenges: Previous monitoring efforts were hampered by a lack of effective containment measures by construction firms and a severe staff crunch within regulatory bodies, making consistent enforcement difficult.

3.0 Policy Implementation and Framework

To overcome existing challenges and advance its sustainability agenda, the government has implemented a technology-driven online monitoring system. The framework for this policy is as follows:

1. Mandatory Sensor Installation: All construction projects undertaken in areas greater than 500 square metres are now required to install approved low-cost sensors.
2. Real-Time Data Monitoring: These sensors will be connected directly to the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB), enabling continuous, real-time monitoring of PM10 and PM2.5 levels.
3. Database for Corrective Action: The continuous online monitoring will generate an essential database, empowering executing firms to take necessary corrective actions to meet requisite environmental standards.
4. Regulatory Enforcement: If pollution levels consistently exceed national ambient air quality standards, the data will be verified manually, and necessary regulatory action will be initiated against the non-compliant firm.

4.0 Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This air quality monitoring initiative is directly aligned with several critical SDGs, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable urban development.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: By systematically monitoring and regulating particulate matter, the primary cause of construction-related air pollution, the program aims to reduce the incidence of respiratory illnesses and protect the health of residents, especially vulnerable populations.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The policy is a direct action towards achieving Target 11.6, which aims to reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities by paying special attention to air quality. It enhances the sustainability and livability of Hyderabad’s urban environment.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The mandate holds the construction sector accountable for its environmental externalities, encouraging more sustainable production patterns and the adoption of pollution-containment technologies and practices.

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

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article directly connects air pollution to health problems. It states that PM10 particles can deposit in the upper lung region, while PM2.5 can “go deeper into the lungs, causing breathing and other health issues.” The government’s initiative to monitor and control dust pollution is a direct measure to protect public health from environmental hazards.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The issue is centered in Hyderabad, an urban area. The article highlights the government’s efforts to manage a key urban environmental problem—air pollution from construction and industrial activities. The initiative aims to improve the quality of life for residents by addressing “increasing complaints of deteriorating air quality in the city,” which is a core component of making cities more sustainable and livable.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  The pollution originates from production activities, specifically “construction and stone crusher sites.” The government’s mandate for monitoring and potential regulatory action against firms that exceed pollution standards is an effort to enforce more sustainable production practices that minimize negative environmental and health impacts.

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

• Target 3.9

  Under SDG 3, Target 3.9 is relevant: “By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.” The article’s focus on mitigating the health risks associated with inhaling PM10 and PM2.5 particles from construction dust directly aligns with this target of reducing illnesses caused by air pollution.

• Target 11.6

  Under SDG 11, Target 11.6 is directly addressed: “By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality…” The entire initiative described in the article—monitoring PM levels in Hyderabad due to resident complaints and aiming to meet national standards—is a clear action towards achieving this target.

• Target 12.4

  Under SDG 12, Target 12.4 can be identified: “By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle… and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.” The dust and particulate matter are waste by-products of construction. The mandate to monitor and control their release into the air is a measure to achieve environmentally sound management of this industrial waste.

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

• Indicator for Target 11.6

  The article explicitly mentions the key components of Indicator 11.6.2: “Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities.” The government’s plan is to “continuously monitor the PM10 and PM2.5 levels” using sensors. This real-time data provides a direct way to measure air quality and track progress.

• Implied Indicators

  The article implies other indicators that can be used for measurement:

  • Compliance with National Standards: The article states that an objective is to “meet the national ambient air quality standards.” Measuring the frequency and extent to which pollution levels at these sites comply with these standards is a clear indicator of progress.
  • Reduction in Public Complaints: The initiative was prompted by “increasing complaints of air pollution from residents.” A reduction in the number of such complaints over time would serve as an indicator of the program’s success in improving the quality of life for citizens.
  • Number of Regulatory Actions: The article mentions that “necessary regulatory action will be initiated against the construction firm” if pollution exceeds standards. Tracking the number of enforcement actions can indicate the effectiveness of the monitoring and compliance system.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: telanganatoday.com