Junction Pollution Hits Localites Hard: Study | Hyderabad News – Times of India

People Living Near Traffic Intersections at Higher Risk of Air Pollution

Introduction

People living or working within a kilometre radius of major traffic intersections are at a higher risk of exposure to air pollution, especially particulate matter (PM) 2.5, posing significant health risks.

Study Findings

A study conducted by the Centre of Excellence in Disaster Management at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad (JNTU-H), focused on the Balanagar-Miyapur stretch. The study revealed that junctions at Balanagar, JNTU-H, Nizampet, and Miyapur were highly polluted, with PM 2.5 levels ranging between 150 and 300 up to a distance of 500 metres on all four sides of the intersection.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – The high levels of PM 2.5 pose significant health risks, including respiratory issues and other diseases.
2. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The study highlights the need for measures to reduce air pollution in traffic intersections, which are crucial areas in urban environments.
3. Goal 13: Climate Action – The study emphasizes the need to address air pollution and its impact on climate patterns, such as cloud dispersions and rainfall coverage.

Impact on Locals

The heavy emissions on these roads have a severe impact on non-road users and residents in nearby colonies. The study highlighted that the presence of benzene and suspended particulate matter in the air was the primary cause of cancer, lung dysfunction, and other illnesses among people living in the vicinity of these junctions.

PM 2.5 Levels at Specific Junctions

• Miyapur junction: PM 2.5 levels consistently high, with 188 within 100 metres and 177 at a distance of 500 metres.
• JNTU-H junction: PM 2.5 levels of 216 within 100 metres and 220 at a distance of 500 metres.
• Nizampet junction: Recorded the highest PM 2.5 levels, with 336 within 100 metres and 248 at a distance of 500 metres.

Imbalance in Climate Patterns

Dr KM Lakshmana Rao, coordinator of the Centre of Excellence on Disaster Management, emphasized the need to balance bio-reactive, chemical-reactive, and physical-reactive substances in the environment. He noted that cloud dispersions and reduced rainfall coverage contribute to air pollution, leading to an imbalance in the hydrological cycle, improper climate changes, and non-densification of clouds.

“To address this, oxygen boosters are essential. There is a need to look for climate control activities by installing proper oxygen generators and boosters. The air pollution mitigating machines like dust, smoke, and haze suckers along roads, residential colonies, hospitals, offices, and commercial areas can clear 65% to 70% of pollution. For busy areas like JNTUH and Nizampet, we require 100 such suckers, which clear the air within a radius of 500 metres,” Lakshmana Rao added.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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

The SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13: Climate Action.

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

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
– Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination (under SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being)
– 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 (under SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities)
– Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (under SDG 13: Climate Action)

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

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The article mentions PM 2.5 levels in the air as an indicator for Target 3.9 under SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. It also mentions PM 2.5 levels at major traffic intersections as an indicator for Target 11.6 under SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Additionally, the article implies an indicator of imbalance in climate patterns caused by air pollution for Target 13.2 under SDG 13: Climate Action.

The article states that major traffic intersections have high levels of PM 2.5, which poses health risks to people living or working within a kilometer radius. This indicates progress towards reducing deaths and illnesses from air pollution (Target 3.9). The article also highlights the adverse impact of heavy emissions on non-road users and residents, emphasizing the need to pay attention to air quality in cities (Target 11.6). Furthermore, the article mentions the imbalance in climate patterns caused by air pollution, suggesting the integration of climate change measures into policies and planning (Target 13.2).

Overall, the indicators mentioned or implied in the article provide measurable ways to track progress towards the identified targets.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.