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| Rajendra Negara Kertagama, Social Work Student, Delhi University (2023) |
Practical 1: Analysis of Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals in India
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. These goals recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests. India has demonstrated a strong commitment to implementing these SDGs, aligning them with national priorities and establishing a robust institutional framework to guide and monitor progress. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has developed the National Indicator Framework (NIF) for SDGs in consultation with various stakeholders to facilitate this process.
Furthermore, NITI Aayog serves as the nodal institution for achieving the SDGs in the country, leading the 2030 Agenda with a spirit of cooperative and competitive federalism, providing support to States and Union Territories in developing sub-national level monitoring frameworks. This proactive institutional setup, encompassing NITI Aayog, MoSPI, and the SDG India Index, underscores a significant governmental emphasis on realizing the SDGs. The focus on both cooperative and competitive federalism by NITI Aayog suggests a deliberate strategy to actively involve states and union territories in the SDG agenda. This approach aims to foster ownership at the sub-national level and encourage states to learn from each other's experiences, potentially leading to more localized and effective implementation of the SDGs. This section of the report will analyze India's progress towards selected SDGs: Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and Goal 13 (Climate Action).
Progress on Goal 1: No Poverty in India
India is committed to ending poverty in all its forms by 2030, as outlined in the UN's SDG framework. The nation has witnessed significant advancements in poverty reduction. Multidimensional poverty in India nearly halved, declining from 24.9% in 2015 to 14.96% in 2019-21. There has also been a notable reduction in the proportion of the population living below the extreme poverty line. This progress is also reflected in the improved score for Goal 1 in NITI Aayog's SDG India Index. Several key initiatives and programs have contributed to this achievement. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has played a crucial role by providing a safety net and enhancing livelihood security for rural households. The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana aims to alleviate poverty in both urban and rural areas through skill development and self-employment opportunities. Other significant interventions include the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, which focuses on providing affordable housing, the National Food Security Act (NFSA) to ensure food security for a large portion of the population, and the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system through PM-Jan Dhan accounts, which enhances efficiency and reduces leakages in welfare payments. Progress towards poverty eradication is measured using methodologies such as NITI Aayog's SDG India Index, which tracks performance based on national-level indicators, and the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), which considers various dimensions of poverty beyond just income. While India has demonstrated substantial progress in reducing multidimensional poverty, disparities persist across different regions, as evidenced by the varying scores of states like Bihar and Arunachal Pradesh. This suggests that targeted interventions are necessary in specific areas to ensure equitable progress towards eliminating poverty. Furthermore, the removal of the extreme poverty indicator (below $1.25 per day) from the 2023-24 assessment raises concerns that the true extent of extreme poverty might be obscured, potentially hindering a comprehensive understanding of the challenges that remain.
Progress on Goal 4: Quality Education in India
India is dedicated to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, aligning with SDG 4. The country has made advancements in increasing access to education at various levels, as reflected in the Gross Enrollment Ratios (GER) for Higher Secondary and Tertiary Education. Reports from the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) also indicate improvements in enrollment rates, and primary education enrollment has seen significant growth. Several key initiatives and programs are driving this progress. The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the Right to Education (RTE) Act have been instrumental in promoting universal access to elementary education. The Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) aims to enhance enrollment in secondary schools, and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme supports school attendance and nutrition. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 represents a comprehensive framework for reforming the education system to align with SDG 4's objectives. Moreover, the Digital India Initiative and online learning platforms like DIKSHA and SWAYAM are expanding access to educational resources. Progress in quality education is measured through various means, including UNESCO's SDG Scorecard and global education monitoring reports, and by tracking Gross Enrollment Ratios across different education levels. While enrollment in primary education has seen improvements, ensuring the quality of education, particularly in terms of learning outcomes and addressing existing disparities, remains a critical challenge. Increased access to schooling does not automatically guarantee effective learning, highlighting the need for a stronger focus on pedagogical improvements and comprehensive teacher training. The digital divide also presents a significant obstacle to achieving equitable access to quality education, a challenge that became particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of access to digital resources for a substantial portion of the student population exacerbates existing inequalities and necessitates targeted interventions to bridge this gap.
Progress on Goal 5: Gender Equality in India
Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls is a key focus under SDG 5 in India. However, the SDG India Index score for Goal 5 remains comparatively low, indicating that significant work is still needed in this area. While there has been an increase in the proportion of seats held by women in Parliament and Panchayati Raj Institutions, data on child marriage, violence against women, and economic empowerment reveal persistent challenges. Several initiatives and programs are in place to address these issues. The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign aims to improve the child sex ratio and promote girls' education. The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC) Scheme encourages savings among women, and the Standup India Mission supports women entrepreneurs. The Ujjwala Yojana provides clean cooking gas to reduce the burden on women. The Women's Reservation Bill seeks to increase women's representation in legislative bodies. Progress in gender equality is measured using indicators such as UN Women's data on legal frameworks that promote gender equality and by analyzing women's participation in political and economic spheres. Despite these efforts, gender equality remains a substantial concern in India, evidenced by its lowest ranking among all SDGs in the NITI Aayog Index. This suggests that deeply entrenched challenges related to societal norms, economic opportunities, and political representation for women persist. The low representation of women in the Indian Parliament is attributed to various factors, including prevailing patriarchal attitudes, limited access to political networks, financial constraints, and societal stereotypes that often confine women to domestic roles. Addressing this issue requires fundamental changes within political parties and the broader society to actively encourage and support women's meaningful participation in the political arena.
Progress on Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation in India
India is actively working towards ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, as outlined in SDG 6. There has been progress in increasing the proportion of the population using safely managed drinking water and sanitation services. The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) has made significant strides in achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status across the country. The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) is focused on providing tap water connections to every rural household. However, challenges related to water quality persist. Key initiatives include the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen and Urban) and the Jal Jeevan Mission (National Water Mission), along with the broader National Water Mission. Progress is measured using data from the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) and the SDG 6 Data Portal. While the SBM has achieved remarkable success in expanding sanitation coverage and attaining ODF status, sustaining these gains and ensuring the consistent use and proper maintenance of toilets remain significant challenges. Achieving long-term behavioral change and effective infrastructure management are crucial for the continued success of sanitation initiatives. The JJM is making substantial progress in providing access to safe drinking water to rural households. However, ensuring the quality of the water supply and the long-term sustainability of water sources, especially in the face of depleting groundwater levels, continues to be a pressing concern. Integrated water resources management strategies and active community participation are essential for the sustained success of drinking water initiatives across the country.
Progress on Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy in India
India has made considerable strides in ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all, in line with SDG 7. There has been a significant increase in the proportion of the population with access to electricity and clean fuels. The country has also witnessed substantial growth in renewable energy capacity, particularly in solar power. Key initiatives driving this progress include the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya), which has achieved near-universal household electrification, the PM Ujjwala Yojana, providing clean cooking gas connections, and the Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) promoting the use of solar pumps in agriculture. India has set ambitious renewable energy targets for 2030, aiming for a significant increase in non-fossil fuel capacity. Progress is measured by tracking the installed capacity of renewable energy sources and their contribution to the overall energy mix, as well as by monitoring the access to electricity and clean cooking fuels. While India has made remarkable advancements in expanding energy access and promoting renewable energy, particularly solar power, achieving the ambitious targets for 2030 and ensuring the stability of the electricity grid as the share of intermittent renewables increases remain critical challenges. Addressing issues such as the intermittency of renewable sources, financing gaps for large-scale projects, and the limitations of the existing grid infrastructure is essential for a successful transition to a cleaner energy future. Notably, despite the significant increase in renewable energy capacity, the share of renewables in the total final energy consumption has shown a decline. This suggests a potential disconnect between the addition of renewable capacity and the actual energy usage derived from these sources, possibly due to challenges in grid integration, lower plant load factors, or the continued reliance on fossil fuels to meet the base load electricity demand.
Progress on Goal 13: Climate Action in India
India has demonstrated increasing commitment to taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, as outlined in SDG 13. This commitment is reflected in the improved score for Goal 13 in the SDG India Index. The country has seen growth in renewable energy capacity and a reduction in the emissions intensity of its economy, along with an increase in its forest and tree cover. Key initiatives guiding India's climate action include the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and its various missions focused on mitigation and adaptation. India has also set forth its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, outlining its commitments to reduce emissions and enhance climate resilience, and has formulated a Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) to guide its path towards a sustainable future. The emphasis on expanding renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency is central to India's climate action efforts. Progress on climate action is measured through the SDG India Index, which tracks relevant indicators, and through the submission of Biennial Update Reports (BURs) to the UNFCCC, detailing the country's progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. India has shown notable improvement in its SDG score for Climate Action, indicating a strengthened focus and increased efforts in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. However, despite this progress, there remains a need to fully align national policies with the overarching climate goals, particularly concerning the continued significant reliance on coal for energy generation and the formulation of a comprehensive and concrete plan for phasing out its use. A clear and detailed roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels is essential for India to effectively achieve its long-term decarbonization targets and contribute meaningfully to global climate action.
Conclusion
India has demonstrated a strong commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and has made notable progress across several key SDGs. Significant advancements have been achieved in areas such as poverty reduction (SDG 1), expansion of access to clean energy (SDG 7), and climate action (SDG 13). The country has also made strides in improving access to quality education (SDG 4) and clean water and sanitation (SDG 6). However, progress remains uneven, with gender equality (SDG 5) continuing to be a significant area of concern requiring more focused attention. While substantial progress has been made in reducing multidimensional poverty, regional disparities persist. In education, ensuring quality learning outcomes and bridging the digital divide are critical challenges. Gender equality requires systemic changes to address deep-rooted societal norms and enhance women's participation in all spheres of life. Sustaining the achievements in sanitation and ensuring water quality remain key priorities under SDG 6. Despite the impressive growth in renewable energy capacity, optimizing its utilization and ensuring grid stability are essential for India's energy transition. The SDG India Index serves as a valuable tool for monitoring progress and fostering healthy competition among states, but its effectiveness hinges on the availability and reliability of comprehensive data. Continuous efforts to improve the index and address existing data gaps are crucial for guiding effective policy interventions and accelerating India's journey towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Practical 2: Identification of Carbon Footprint
A carbon footprint is defined as the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) generated by our actions. Understanding and quantifying carbon footprints is crucial for assessing our impact on the environment and identifying areas where we can reduce our emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions are often categorized into three scopes: Scope 1 includes direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating and cooling consumed by the reporting company, and Scope 3 encompasses all other indirect emissions that occur in a company's value chain. This practical exercise aims to identify the carbon footprint of a college located at University Road, Delhi, and the locality of LAXMI NAGAR in Delhi.
Estimating the Carbon Footprint of University Road, Delhi College
Estimating the carbon footprint of an institution like a college requires a systematic approach, and several methodologies and tools are available for this purpose. General carbon footprint calculators, such as those provided by 8billiontrees, IIT Kanpur, and Terrapass, can offer a starting point, but they typically require specific data inputs related to energy consumption, waste generation, and transportation. For educational institutions in India, specific methodologies have been employed to assess their carbon footprints. The key data required for a comprehensive estimation typically include detailed energy consumption data (electricity bills, fuel usage for generators or vehicles), water consumption records, the amount and type of waste generated, and the transportation patterns of students and staff (commuting modes, distances). Based on energy audit reports from other colleges in Delhi, it is likely that electricity consumption, particularly for cooling systems and lighting, constitutes a significant portion of the college's carbon footprint. However, the presence of solar power generation facilities in some colleges in the University Road area could substantially offset the emissions associated with their electricity consumption. A practical approach for estimating the college's carbon footprint would involve collecting the aforementioned data and utilizing a simplified carbon footprint calculator, such as the one provided by the Gujarat government, or a more detailed methodology like the GHG Protocol integrated with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) if the necessary data is available.
Estimating the Carbon Footprint of LAXMI NAGAR Locality, Delhi
Assessing the carbon footprint of a locality like LAXMI NAGAR in Delhi presents unique challenges, primarily due to the difficulty in obtaining granular data at the neighborhood level. Various methodologies exist for carbon footprint assessment of urban and residential areas. Potential data sources for LAXMI NAGAR could include electricity consumption statistics for residential areas in Delhi, transportation patterns in the locality and surrounding areas, and waste generation statistics for residential areas in Delhi. Given the high population density and the mix of residential and commercial activities in LAXMI NAGAR, it is expected that both these sectors will contribute significantly to its overall carbon footprint The presence of a major metro station (Laxmi Nagar) and the reliance on private vehicles contribute to a complex transportation footprint for the locality. A practical approach to estimating the carbon footprint of LAXMI NAGAR could involve utilizing per capita consumption data for Delhi and scaling it based on the population of the locality. Online carbon footprint calculators, such as those provided by WWF India (via cpcbenvis.nic.in or carbonfootprint.com), can also be used to estimate the residential carbon footprint based on average consumption patterns.
Comparative Analysis and Discussion of Findings
A comparative analysis of the estimated carbon footprints of the University Road college and the LAXMI NAGAR locality would likely reveal that the locality has a significantly larger overall footprint due to its larger population and the combined emissions from residential, commercial, and transportation sectors. The college's footprint would primarily be attributed to its energy consumption. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing targeted strategies for carbon footprint reduction. For the college, focusing on energy efficiency measures, increasing the use of renewable energy, and promoting sustainable transportation among students and staff could be effective. For LAXMI NAGAR, broader community-level initiatives aimed at reducing energy consumption in households and commercial establishments, promoting the use of public transport and non-motorized modes of transport, and improving waste management practices would be essential.
Practical 3: Depicting the Temperature and Precipitation Trend in Delhi from 2010 to 2020 using Online Data
Analyzing temperature and precipitation trends is essential for understanding the impacts of climate change on a region. This practical exercise focuses on depicting these trends in Delhi from 2010 to 2020 using publicly available online data.
The graphic below lists the mean annual temperature in Delhi for each year 2010–2020, based on official climate station data. These values (in °C) indicate that Delhi’s average yearly temperature is around the mid-20s. For context, published climatology gives Delhi’s mean annual temperature as about 24.6 °C, in line with our data.
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