India has slipped two places from last year to rank 117 on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by 193 UN member states as the 2030 Agenda in 2015. This information has come to light in a new report. The ‘State of Environment in India Report 2021’ revealed that last year India’s position was 115 and now it has gone down two places. This is mainly because of the efforts to end hunger and achieve food security (SDG2), to achieve gender equality.
The report said India ranks below four South Asian nations – Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal – and added the country’s overall SDG score is 61.9 out of 100.
the report revealed that it took place courtesy major challenges like ending hunger and achieving food security (SDG 2), achieving gender equality (SDG 5) and building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and fostering innovation (SDG 9) in the country.
The report while explaining the state-wise preparedness said Bihar and Jharkhand are the least prepared to meet the SDGs by the target year 2030. The report pointed out that Bihar lags in seven of the SDGs while Jharkhand lags in five.
The State of India’s Environment Report 2021 further said Kerala, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh with the best overall score are the states and Union Territories on the path to achieving the SDGs.
Adopted by all the United Nations Member States in 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.
The 17 SDGs adopted by UN member states are SDG1- no poverty, SDG 2 – zero hunger, SDG3 – good health and well-being, SDG4 – quality education, SDG 5 – gender equality, SDG 6 – clean water and sanitation, SDG 7- affordable and clean energy, SDG 8 – decent work and economic growth, SDG 9- industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 10 – reduced inequalities, SDG 11 – sustainable cities and communities, SDG 12 – responsible consumption and production, SDG 13 – climate action, SDG 14 – life below water, SDG 15 – life on land, SDG 16 – peace, justice and strong institutions and SDG 17 – strengthening global partnerships for the goals, PTI reported.
Stating that India ranked 168 out of 180 countries in terms of Environmental Performance Index (EPI), the report further said this is calculated on various indicators, which include environmental health, climate, air pollution, sanitation and drinking water, ecosystem services and biodiversity.