Article Title
Introduction
Due to lack of monitoring and maintenance, most of the authorized centres have failed to record real-time data on air pollution.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Background
On April 6, 2015, India launched its first ever National Air Quality Index (NAQI) to address the issue of rising air pollution. The index was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, starting with 10 cities in the first phase. These cities include Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, Faridabad, Lucknow, Varanasi, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. While this was a positive step, there is still a need for a comprehensive plan to tackle the larger problem of deteriorating air quality and protect the health of citizens.
How the index works
NAQI is a tool that simplifies air quality data by classifying pollution levels into six categories: good, satisfactory, moderate, poor, very poor, and severe. Each category is assigned a color code based on the level of harm caused by the pollution in a specific area. The index takes into account pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, and Ozone. This information helps people understand the severity of pollution in their area and make informed decisions about their activities.
Challenges and Flaws
Despite the implementation of NAQI, there are several challenges and flaws that need to be addressed. One major issue is the lack of proper functioning and maintenance of monitoring stations. For example, in Delhi, the pollution control committee has six stations, but they have already started showing glitches and outdated data. This raises concerns about the reliability of the index and its ability to provide real-time information.
Insufficient Coverage
Another challenge is the limited coverage of the AQI program. Many cities, including Mumbai, are not included in the program, leaving residents unaware of the pollution levels in their areas. This lack of data hinders efforts to address air pollution and protect public health.
The Way Forward
To address these challenges, there is a need to expand the AQI program to include more cities across the country. This will ensure that citizens are aware of the pollution levels in their areas and can take necessary precautions to protect themselves. Additionally, there should be a focus on improving the functioning and maintenance of monitoring stations to ensure accurate and real-time data.
Conclusion
A comprehensive and effective air quality monitoring system is crucial for addressing air pollution and protecting public health. By implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to good health and sustainable cities, India can work towards improving air quality and creating a healthier environment for its citizens.
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 | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| 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 not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
Note: The article does not provide specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
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Source: downtoearth.org.in
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