Towards Zero-Pollution Cities: Making Mega Cities Resource Efficient, Inclusive, and Low Polluting - Delhi, India Case Study

Delhi, India is typical of many megacities in Asia and Africa, with large populations, swift economic growth that spurs in-migration, and an already stressed built environment with significant underserved populations lacking access to basic infrastructure and services. Such megacities are often unable to keep up with the rapid pace of growth, which in turn leads to further deprivation and inequality as well as significant pressures on the built and natural environment resulting in air pollution, water quality degradation, and ground water depletion. Such pressures adversely affect well-being of people and the environment, thereby impacting almost all the SDGs. This case study demonstrates the value in applying a systems approach that quantifies linkages between natural resources, infrastructure and food supply systems and multiple SDG co-benefits. The study identifies the potential benefits of a bundle of strategies that can promote more inclusive development, while reducing air pollution emissions, greenhouse gas emissions and human health risks in developing world cities.