Mizoram, Haryana & Uttarakhand among fast movers in SDG Index

NEW DELHI: Rated as one of the three “fast moving states” with the highest gains by 12 points in development scores from 56 in 2019, Mizoram’s journey towards delivering on sustainable goals as assessed by the SDG Index 2020-21 clearly reflects steps taken to achieve a more sustainable and energy efficient way of life.
Haryana with a 10 point improvement from 57 to 67 and Uttarakhand that moved up 8 points from 64 to 72 have also been classified as fast moving states, based on initiatives to do better across goals.In both these states, steps towards sustainable cities have evidently contributed to their scores. Also all three states have been rated as “achievers” under “affordable and clean energy” with a 100% score for electrification of households and access to gas connections - LPG and PNG.
The SDG Index released by Niti Aayog categorises performance based on indicators over a score that ranges from aspirants at the bottom with a score of 0-49 followed by performers (50-64), front runners (65-99) and achiever (100).
In terms of “responsible consumption and production”, Mizoram’s score improved from a low 50 (performer) to an impressive 87 (front runner). The entire biomedical waste generated was being treated by the state. The usage of nitrogen fertiliser out of total (NPK -- Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Pottassium) was down to 54.2% when compared to 75.7% in 2019. Similarly, in case of targets linked to "climate action", the share of renewables in total energy mix (including allocated shares) was 65.5% in 2020 which was an increase over 65.5% in 2019.
However, there are challenges too that need to be addressed to achieve the targets. It turns out that Mizoram’s forest cover is down from 86.27% to 85.41%. While door to door waste collection across wards increased from 80.5% to 100%, individual household toilets constructed against targets was just 18% and installed sewage treatment capacity to sewage generated was 9.8%.
In the case of Haryana, wards with 100% door to door waste collection went up from 91.4% to 93.9% between 2019 to 2020. Also wards with 100% waste segregation increased from 50.2% to 65%. The installed sewage treatment capacity to sewage generated increased from 60% to 115.76%. Meanwhile, even as Haryana made gains and is trying to achieve "zero hunger", there is still much that needs to be done. In terms of gender equality the state still remains an aspirant with the score of 36 to 43 in 2020.
When one looks at Uttarakhand’s performance chart, it comes through that the state has made significant improvement in good health and well-being. It turns out that the under 5 mortality rate (per 1000 live births) declined from 47 to 33 in 2020. It also comes through that 90% of children within 9-11 months were immunised in 2020 and institutional deliveries accounted for 88.80% (up from 52.5% in 2019). However, there are concerns, like the maternal mortality rate (per 1 lakh live births) increased from 89 to 99 in 2020.
The performance chart also shows that all wards in the hill state have 100% door-to- door waste collection (up from 95.14% in 2019). However, individual household toilets constructed against the target declined from 90.27% to 75%. Also installed sewage treatment capacity to sewage generated declined from 31% to 26.88%.