New Delhi shuts schools and limits construction work to reduce severe air pollution
New Delhi shuts schools and limits construction work to reduce severe air pollution The Associated Press
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New Delhi Takes Measures to Combat Air Pollution
The government of New Delhi has implemented several measures to address the severe haze and smog that has engulfed the city, causing respiratory problems and obscuring landmarks and buildings. These efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations to promote sustainable cities and communities.
Measures Taken
- Primary schools have been temporarily closed to protect children from the harmful effects of air pollution.
- Polluting vehicles, including gasoline and diesel cars, buses, and trucks that contribute to smog, have been banned. Violators face a fine of 20,000 rupees ($240).
- Construction work has been halted, except for essential projects such as metro rail, airport, defense, and water pipeline.
- Water sprinklers and anti-smog guns have been deployed to control the haze.
- People are encouraged to wear masks and avoid outdoor activities, such as morning walks and jogging, to minimize exposure to pollutants.
The air quality index in New Delhi has reached “severe” levels, exceeding the global safety threshold by more than 10 times. This level of pollution can lead to respiratory infections, bronchitis, and asthma attacks.
Impact on Health
Lung specialist Rajneesh Kapoor has advised people to take precautions, emphasizing the risks of respiratory infections, flu, and other health complications caused by the polluted air. Individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as COVID-19 survivors, are particularly vulnerable.
Ritesh Kumar, who recently recovered from COVID-19, expressed concern about the harmful effects of the polluted air on his health. He experienced severe headaches upon arriving in New Delhi and questioned the message the city’s pollution sends to the world.
Causes of Air Pollution
New Delhi consistently ranks among the cities with the poorest air quality in India, especially during the winter season. The burning of crop residues in neighboring states, coupled with cooler temperatures that trap smoke, contributes to the hazardous air conditions. Efforts have been made to discourage farmers from burning crop remnants by providing cash incentives to adopt alternative methods.
According to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, stubble burning accounts for 25% of the pollution in New Delhi. The city has witnessed fluctuations in air quality over the years, with a sharp rise in 2020, followed by a slight decrease in 2021 and subsequent increases in 2022 and 2023.
Conclusion
The measures taken by the government of New Delhi reflect its commitment to addressing air pollution and promoting sustainable development. However, more comprehensive and long-term strategies are needed to achieve the SDGs and ensure a healthier environment for the city’s residents.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 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: Air quality index exceeding the global safety threshold and causing respiratory problems.
-
SDG 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: Air quality index exceeding the global safety threshold and causing respiratory problems.
-
SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
- Indicator: Increase in air pollution due to crop residue burning.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 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. | Air quality index exceeding the global safety threshold and causing respiratory problems. |
| SDG 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. | Air quality index exceeding the global safety threshold and causing respiratory problems. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | Increase in air pollution due to crop residue burning. |
Analysis
The article highlights the severe air pollution and smog in New Delhi, which is causing respiratory problems for people and enveloping monuments and high-rise buildings. Based on the issues discussed, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
This SDG is relevant because the air pollution in New Delhi is causing respiratory problems for people. Target 3.9 aims to reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from air pollution. The indicator mentioned in the article is the air quality index exceeding the global safety threshold, which can cause acute and chronic bronchitis and asthma attacks.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
This SDG is relevant because it focuses on the environmental impact of cities, including air quality. Target 11.6 aims to reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, with special attention to air quality. The indicator mentioned in the article is the air quality index exceeding the global safety threshold, which is causing respiratory problems for people.
SDG 13: Climate Action
This SDG is relevant because it addresses climate-related hazards and natural disasters. The article mentions that crop residue burning contributes to the air pollution in New Delhi. Target 13.1 aims to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards. The indicator mentioned in the article is the increase in air pollution due to crop residue burning.
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Source: apnews.com
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