Harmonious Living With Nature in the Urban for Sustainable Development

Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu, Minister of Urban Development said, “the objective of smart cities initiative is to promote living in harmony with nature.”

The quality of life in urban areas is adversely affected by the rising air pollution and poor sanitation. Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu, Minister of Urban Development has affirmed that, “the objective of smart cities initiative is to promote living inharmony with nature.”

Shri Naidu addressed at the Convocation of The Energy Research Institute that, urban designing and planning approaches, which promote such a harmony, is the need of the hour.

Air Pollution - Pollutants - Health Effect - Efforts to Reduce
Nearly 2.4 million deaths every year are attributable to air pollution. Air pollutants may be solid particles, liquid droplets or gases. Proper planning methods should be adopted to reduce air pollution.

He emphasised that climate change concerns need to be factored in urban development strategies and action plans.

Shri Naidu pointed out a TERI Report that 42,000 MW of electricity could be saved by 2021 by adopting energy efficient building practices.

He expressed concern over “designing of residential, commercial and office buildings blocking natural light and air and in turn depending on electricity for the same”.

Traffic Related Air Pollution Causes Autism in Infants
Autism is characterized by developmental disturbances in social interaction, behavior and language. Air pollutants exposure can lead to autism development in infants and during pregnancy.

The adverse consequences on the quality of urban life of poor urban transport infrastructure with reliance on growing motorized individual transport, unscientific municipal solid waste and sewage management, outdated Building Bye-laws need to be tackled.

Shri Naidu said that his ministry is seeking to address these concerns in collaboration with states and urban local bodies under new initiatives like smart cities, infrastructure development in 500 cities, Swachh Bharat Mission.

Environmental Birth Defects - Chemical Factors - Biological Sources - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs
Birth defects caused due to environmental teratogens like drugs, microorganisms or exposure to radiation are called as environmental birth defects.

The need for increased adoption of new and renewable energy sources like solar and wind power and green building construction practices are on the rise.

Shri Naidu has stressed on the need for sustainable development harmonizing environmental, ecological and social aspects with emphasis on efficient resource use.

Pollution Increases the Risk to Heart Ailments
A recent study suggests that higher PM10 and NO2 (traffic associated pollutants) levels are associated with increase in myocardial infarction risk just 1–6 hours later following the exposure.

Source-Medindia