Pollution Levels Decrease But City Still Needs To Clear The Air | Ludhiana News – Times of India
Pollution levels decrease but city still needs to clear the air The Times of India
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Ludhiana Witnesses Reduction in Air Pollution Levels during Winter Season
Ludhiana, a city in North India, has shown improvement in air pollution levels during the winter season, according to a recent report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Although Ludhiana still ranks among the top 50 polluted cities in the region, the reduction in air pollution is a positive development.
Key Findings from the Report:
- The average PM 2.5 level in Ludhiana during the winter season (October to February) was recorded at 85.1 micrograms per cubic meter.
- Ludhiana ranked 42nd among 88 cities in North India with real-time monitoring and sufficient data for air quality analysis.
- Compared to the previous winter, Ludhiana experienced a 7% decrease in average PM 2.5 level this winter.
- Ludhiana ranked 13th among 62 cities in North India that witnessed an improvement in air quality this winter.
- There was a 10% decrease in winter peak PM 2.5 value compared to the previous year.
- Ludhiana ranked third among cities in Punjab, with a winter average PM 2.5 value of 85.1 micrograms per cubic meter.
- Mandi Gobindgarh topped the list in Punjab with a winter average of 90.8 micrograms per cubic meter, followed by Bhatinda with a value of 88.1.
Despite the reduction in winter average PM 2.5 levels, the CSE officials emphasized the need for strong multi-sector measures to combat air pollution. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director of CSE India and one of the authors of the report, highlighted that the winter average in Ludhiana still exceeded the WHO standards. She suggested that comparing the data to national standards (40 micrograms per cubic meter) would provide a better context, but noted that the annual average cannot be directly compared to the seasonal average. Roychowdhury emphasized the importance of implementing stringent measures locally and regionally to address the bending of the winter pollution curve.
Recommendations for Addressing Air Pollution:
- Control emissions from vehicles, industries, waste burning, and construction activities.
- Implement environmental norms effectively.
- Engage all stakeholders, including residents, in efforts to improve air quality.
Residents of Ludhiana expressed their desire for long-term improvements in air quality. Amandeep Singh, a city-based professional, stated that while the reduction in winter pollution levels was positive, sustained efforts were needed to achieve permanent improvement. He emphasized the importance of effective implementation of environmental norms and the support of all stakeholders.
SDGs, Targets, and 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.
- Indicator: PM 2.5 levels
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: PM 2.5 levels
SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
- Indicator: PM 2.5 levels
Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to 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.
– 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.
– Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
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 PM 2.5 levels as an indicator to measure progress towards the identified targets. PM 2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller, which is considered harmful to human health when present in high concentrations.
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. | PM 2.5 levels |
| 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. | PM 2.5 levels |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | PM 2.5 levels |
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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