Uttarakhand forest fires: Air services remain suspended for 2nd day due to poor visibility | India News – Times of India
Uttarakhand forest fires: Air services remain suspended for 2nd day due to poor visibility The Times of India
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Air Services Suspended in Pithoragarh and Munsiyari due to Forest Fires
Introduction
Air services to Pithoragarh and Munsiyari towns in the border district have been suspended for the second day due to poor visibility caused by smoke rising from the burning forests. The visibility around the Naini-Saini airport and its surroundings remained less than 1000 meters, which is below the required minimum of 5000 meters for air operations.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Increased number of patients are seeking medical attention due to difficulty in breathing and irritation in the eyes caused by the smoke from forest fires.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The suspension of air services affects the connectivity and accessibility of Pithoragarh and Munsiyari towns, hindering their development as sustainable communities.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Forest fires contribute to air pollution and climate change, highlighting the need for effective measures to prevent and control such incidents.
Causes of Suspension
- Forest Fires: The smoke emitted by the forest fires in Saur valley, Pithoragarh, and Munsiyari has resulted in dense smoke, reducing visibility even of the mountain peaks.
Efforts to Resolve the Issue
Efforts are underway to extinguish the forest fires and improve the weather conditions to resume air services. The authorities are working towards dousing the fires and clearing the smoke.
Impact on Transportation Services
The air service, operated by Fly Big company from Dehradun to Pithoragarh, and the heli services, operated by Heritage aviation company from Haldwani to Pithoragarh and Munsiyari, have both been cancelled due to the poor visibility caused by the forest fires.
Extent of Forest Fires
The forest fires are not limited to Saur valley but are also raging in Quirala valley of Champawat and the forests of Lohaghat, Jhoolaghat, and Gaurihat. The visibility on the roads in these areas is extremely poor due to the smoke emitted from the surrounding jungles.
Conclusion
The suspension of air services in Pithoragarh and Munsiyari due to forest fires highlights the urgent need to address climate change and promote sustainable development. Efforts should be made to prevent forest fires and mitigate their impact on air quality and transportation services, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9 – By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Indicator not mentioned in the article. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 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 not mentioned in the article. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2 – Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Indicator not mentioned in the article. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 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 not mentioned in the article. |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The issues highlighted in the article include poor visibility caused by smoke from forest fires, resulting in the suspension of air services. This impacts the health and well-being of individuals in the area, as increased difficulty in breathing and irritation in the eyes are reported. It also relates to the environmental impact of cities and the need to integrate climate change measures. Additionally, the article mentions forest fires, which are connected to the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- 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 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- 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.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are related to reducing deaths and illnesses from air pollution (Target 3.9), reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities (Target 11.6), integrating climate change measures into policies and planning (Target 13.2), and ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of forests (Target 15.1).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
No, the article does not mention or imply any specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
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Fuente: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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