Introduction

A composite SDG India Index score was computed for each State and UT of India based on their aggregate performance across 13 of the 17 SDGs. The value of the score indicates the average performance of the State/UT towards achieving the 13 SDGs and their respective targets.

NITI Aayog’s 2020-21 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) India Index gave each region marks between 0 and 100 points.

Odisha Model

While the national ranking dropped, Odisha saw a three-point improvement in its overall score and settled at 61 points. It topped in implementing two SDGs — 13 and 14, which are ‘climate action’ and ‘life below water’, respectively.

SDG 13: In the ‘climate action’ SDG, which aims to integrate climate change and disaster risk measures with sustainable natural resource management into national development strategies, the State scored 70 points. 

Odisha saved 120.07 tonnes of CO2 per 1,000 population by using LED bulbs against India’s 28.04 tonnes. 

SDG 14: In the ‘life below’ water SDG, which aims to conserve oceans, seas and marine resources by preventing marine pollution and illegal fishing practices, Odisha scored 82. The State showed improved shore water quality and saw a 3.19% increase in the area under mangroves.

Responsible steps toward Climate change:

In the FY2021 Budget, the State introduced a Climate Budget, a first-ever feature. While highlighting the impact of climate change on various departments, including forests, fisheries, disaster management and agriculture, the Budget presented tracking public expenditure for a clean climate. Odisha has been working on climate change since 2010 when it put in place the State Action Plan on Climate Change. This was revised for 2018-23 and is under implementation.

In FY2022, the Odisha government submitted a separate SDG Budget, a first in India, indicating a significant development in its commitment to implementing the SDGs.

By Dr. Spoorthi P  Manager Sustainability 

References:

https://www.niti.gov.in/sdg-india-index#:~:text=A%20composite%20SDG%20India%20Index,between%200%20and%20100%20percent.

https://epaper.thehindu.com/Home/ArticleView

Question: Sustainable Development Goals India? – Kerala …. https://www.kerala-travel-tourism.com/india/question-sustainable-development-goals-india.html

An eye on achieving SDGs – The Hindu. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/an-eye-on-achieving-sdgs/article65419675.ece