TRACKING SDG LOCALIZATION: AN EVALUATION OF SELECTED DISTRICT PROFILES 

Shravani Thota, Muskan Jaiswal, Rishabh Dev Bharadwaj, Rajlakshmi Anand, Avika Kamboj

INTRODUCTION

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as a global blueprint for addressing critical socio-economic and environmental challenges. In India, SDG localization has become a key strategy to ensure effective implementation at the state and district levels. This paper intends to present an analysis of the progress on SDG localization in the selected comparative cases, i.e., Delhi (North-West), Telangana (Hyderabad), Uttar Pradesh (Greater Noida), and West Bengal (Kolkata). It aims to quantitatively track and qualitatively assess the profiles of the district’s adaptation, customization, budgeting, and performance made so far on the local development plans and strategies in sync with the SDGs. 

NORTH-WEST (DELHI)

North West Delhi, one of the 11 districts of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, spans 442.84 sq. km, making it one of the largest districts in the city. Geographically, it shares borders with Haryana to the west and north and districts like North Delhi, West Delhi, and South West Delhi. The region comprises a mix of urban, semi-urban, and rural landscapes, with agricultural villages like Kanjhawala, Bawana, and Narela forming its outskirts. The climate is extreme, with summers reaching up to 46°C, winters dropping below 4°C, and moderate monsoons. With a population of 3.65 million (Census 2011), North West Delhi is one of the most densely populated districts, with 8,260 persons per sq. km. While urban areas such as Rohini, Pitampura, and Shalimar Bagh dominate. A considerable rural population exists in Bawana and Kanjhawala. The literacy rate stands at 84.66%, slightly above the national average, reflecting strong educational development. However, the sex ratio of 862 females per 1,000 males indicates a gender imbalance. The district has a diverse population, including Punjabi, Haryanvi, and UP-Bihari migrants, government employees, business communities, and industrial workers, who make up a significant portion of its residents.

Economically, the district has a balanced mix of commercial, residential, and industrial areas. The Bawana Industrial Area and Rohini commercial zones serve as major employment hubs, attracting businesses and manufacturing units. Small businesses, street vendors, and service-based enterprises also contribute significantly to the local economy. Key urban centers such as Rohini, Pitampura, and Ashok Vihar are well-developed with high-rise apartments, malls, and corporate offices, while areas like Bawana and Narela have an industrial and agricultural presence. Despite its rapid urbanization and infrastructural growth, North West Delhi faces challenges in managing its high population density, environmental concerns, and equitable resource distribution.

Some Aspects Of North-West Delhi with SDG Goals: (SDG 4: Quality Education): North West Delhi has a significant number of government schools that provide education to local children. Areas like Chandpur Majra, Ghevara, Jaunti, Kanjhawala, and Karala have multiple government schools catering to students from diverse backgrounds. These schools play a crucial role in ensuring access to quality education for underprivileged children. (ndma.gov.in).

Healthcare Services (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being): As of 2022, Delhi had a total of 114 government hospitals in urban areas. (ceicdata.com) While the exact number of government hospitals in North West Delhi is not readily available, the district has multiple Mohalla Clinics, primary health Centers, and dispensaries that provide essential healthcare services to residents. These facilities ensure accessible and affordable healthcare, especially for economically weaker sections. (ncgg.org.in).

Environment and Sanitation (SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities): Various government bodies manage environmental protection and sanitation in North West Delhi. – Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC): Responsible for pollution control and environmental monitoring in the district. (dpcc.delhigovt.nic.in) Delhi Jal Board (DJB): Manages water supply and sewerage services across North West Delhi. (delhijalboard.delhi.gov.in). Under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), multiple initiatives have been undertaken to improve sanitation and waste management. In areas like Shahbad Dairy, community-led sanitation projects have significantly improved hygiene conditions, particularly benefiting women and young girls. (indiawaterportal.org).

The MCD’s budget from 2021-22 to 2023-24 reflects a structured, policy-driven approach to sustainable urban governance. Aligning expenditures with SDGs has contributed to Delhi’s progress toward a resilient urban future. However, long-term sustainability demands continued institutional strengthening, technological innovation, and inclusive stakeholder collaboration. The way forward requires a dynamic governance model that prioritizes efficiency, equity, and environmental responsibility. While improvements are visible in health insurance coverage, education access, and waste management, challenges persist in unemployment, malnutrition, gender disparities, groundwater depletion, and environmental sustainability. Addressing these gaps requires targeted interventions, policy enhancements, and sustainable development strategies.

HYDERABAD (TELANGANA)

Telangana, with Hyderabad as its economic and technological hub, presents a unique case for studying SDG progress at the district level. This paper examines Hyderabad’s performance in SDG localization, identifies challenges, and proposes strategic interventions for enhanced implementation.

Hyderabad’s SDG Performance: A District-Level Analysis: A.) Telangana’s Overall SDG Performance: According to the SDG India Index 2023, Telangana ranks 6th among Indian states, with a composite score of 69 out of 100 (NITI Aayog, 2023). The state performs well in economic growth and industry (SDG 8 & 9) but faces challenges in climate action (SDG 13) and gender equality (SDG 5). B.) Hyderabad’s SDG Progress: Using data from the District Indicator Framework (DIF) and National Indicator Framework (NIF), Hyderabad’s SDG performance can be assessed across key sectors:

• Health & Well-being (SDG 3): Hyderabad has 1.3 hospital beds per 1,000 people, surpassing the national average of 0.5 beds per 1,000 people (Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, 2022). However, air pollution has led to a 20% increase in respiratory illnesses over the past five years (Central Pollution Control Board, 2023).
• Quality Education (SDG 4): Literacy rate in Hyderabad stands at 83.2%, higher than the national average of 77.7% (Census of India, 2011). However, government school dropout rates remain at 6.8%, highlighting access and quality concerns.
• Economic Growth & Employment (SDG 8): The city’s IT exports stood at $20 billion in 2022, contributing 12.5% to the state’s GDP (Telangana Economic Survey, 2023). However, 37% of the workforce remains in informal employment, affecting income stability.
• Sustainable Cities & Communities (SDG 11): Hyderabad generates 4,200 metric tons of waste daily, with only 35% being scientifically processed (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, 2023).
• Climate Action (SDG 13): Hyderabad recorded a 1.5°C rise in annual mean temperature over the past two decades, with a 37% decline in green cover since 2000 (Indian Meteorological Department, 2023).

C.) Challenges in Hyderabad’s SDG Localization: I.) Governance & Institutional Gaps – Lack of coordination between municipal and state agencies results in inefficient SDG implementation. – Insufficient district-level monitoring frameworks limit real-time tracking of SDG progress. II.) Urban Challenges – Overpopulation & Infrastructure Strain: Hyderabad’s population grew by 32% between 2011 and 2021, reaching 10.2 million (Census 2021, Provisional). – Waste Management Issues: Unregulated plastic waste, electronic waste, and poor segregation mechanisms hinder environmental sustainability. III.) Environmental & Climate Concerns – Air Quality Decline: Hyderabad’s AQI crossed 180 (Moderate to Poor Category) in 2023, worsening respiratory diseases (Central Pollution Control Board, 2023). – Water Scarcity: Over-extraction of groundwater has led to a 14% decline in water table levels since 2015 (Telangana Groundwater Department, 2023). IV.) Financial & Implementation Barriers: – Budget Constraints: Hyderabad’s municipal SDG budget allocation for 2023-24 stands at ₹12,500 crores, which is insufficient to address housing and infrastructure needs (GHMC Budget Report, 2023). – Bureaucratic Delays: Administrative hurdles slow down the implementation of critical SDG policies. V.) Community Participation & Awareness Gaps – Low Citizen Engagement: Only 42% of Hyderabad’s residents are aware of SDGs and local sustainability goals (NITI Aayog, 2023). – Lack of Private Sector Involvement: Hyderabad’s corporate sector CSR spending on SDGs is only ₹5,000 crores annually, highlighting the potential for increased engagement (Ministry of Corporate Affairs, 2023).

D.) Policy Recommendations & Way Forward – I.) Strengthening Data-Driven Governance- i.) Implement real-time digital monitoring of SDG indicators at the municipal level. ii.) Enhance transparency through open-data platforms accessible to the public. II.) Urban Sustainable Planning- i.) Strengthen policies for affordable housing and sustainable transport solutions. ii.) Expand metro rail and electric bus services to reduce carbon footprint. iii.) Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for SDGs – i.) Encourage Hyderabad’s IT sector & pharma industries to adopt CSR-driven SDG projects. ii.) Establish SDG-based impact investment funds to finance local sustainability initiatives. III.) Strengthening Local Governance – i.) Empower municipal bodies with greater autonomy for SDG-driven decision-making. ii.) Increase funding allocations for urban sustainability and social welfare programs. IV.) Enhancing Community Engagement – i.) Launch citizen awareness campaigns on SDG localization. ii.) Promote volunteer-driven sustainability projects to improve public participation.

Hyderabad’s role as a key urban and economic center makes its SDG localization efforts crucial for Telangana’s overall progress. While the city has made notable advancements in economic growth, healthcare, and education, challenges in urban infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and governance coordination persist. Strengthening district-level governance, financial resources, and community engagement will be vital in accelerating Hyderabad’s SDG journey. A collaborative approach involving government bodies, private stakeholders, and citizens can ensure a more inclusive and sustainable future for Hyderabad in alignment with Agenda 2030.

GREATER NOIDA (UTTAR PRADESH)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global blueprint for addressing critical socio-economic and environmental challenges. In India, SDG localization is crucial for effective implementation at the state and district levels. Greater Noida, being part of the National Capital Region (NCR), serves as a unique case for studying SDG progress at the district level in Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh ranks 22nd in the SDG India Index 2023 with a composite score of 60 out of 100 (NITI Aayog, 2023). The state performs well in infrastructure development (SDG 9) but lags in gender equality (SDG 5) and climate action (SDG 13).

Greater Noida’s SDG Performance: A District-Level Analysis – Health & Well-being (SDG 3): Greater Noida has 1.1 hospital beds per 1,000 people, close to the national average. However, pollution has increased respiratory illnesses by 18% in the last five years. – Quality Education (SDG 4): The literacy rate stands at 82.4%, but dropout rates in government schools remain at 7.2%. – Economic Growth & Employment (SDG 8): Greater Noida’s industrial sector contributes significantly to the district GDP, with 45% employment in manufacturing and logistics. However, informal employment still stands at 41%. – Sustainable Cities & Communities (SDG 11): Greater Noida generates 950 metric tons of waste daily, with only 38% being scientifically processed. – Climate Action (SDG 13): The city has witnessed a 1.3°C temperature rise over two decades, with a 29% decline in green cover.

B.) Challenges in Greater Noida’s SDG Localization: I.) Governance & Institutional Gaps – Lack of coordination between GNIDA (Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority) and state departments. – Limited district-level real-time monitoring frameworks. II.) Urban Challenges – Rapid Urbanization: Greater Noida’s population grew by 35% between 2011 and 2021, leading to a strain on public infrastructure. – Waste Management: Poor waste segregation and e-waste handling remain challenges. III.) Environmental Concerns – Air Quality: Greater Noida’s AQI crossed 190 (Poor) in 2023. – Water Scarcity: Groundwater depletion of 16% since 2015. IV.) Financial & Implementation Barriers – Budget Constraints: GNIDA’s 2023-24 budget stands at INR6,400 crore, which is insufficient for comprehensive SDG interventions. – Bureaucratic Delays hinder timely project execution. V.) Community Participation & Awareness Gaps – Low Awareness: Only 39% of residents are aware of SDGs. – Private Sector Role: Limited CSR contributions, with only INR3,200 crore spent annually on sustainability projects.

C.)  Policy Recommendations & Way Forward: I.) Strengthening Data-Driven Governance – Implement real-time digital SDG dashboards. – Promote open data for citizen access. II.) Urban Sustainable Planning – Expand public transport and promote electric mobility. – Encourage eco-friendly construction techniques. III.) Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) – Collaborate with industries in CSR-driven SDG projects. – Establish district-level SDG financing funds. IV.) Empowering Local Governance – Grant GNIDA more autonomy for localized SDG actions. – Increase funds for environmental and social programs. V.) Enhancing Community Engagement – Conduct awareness drives and sustainability campaigns. – Promote youth-led volunteer projects.

Greater Noida’s rapid urban growth, industrial development, and proximity to Delhi make it a vital player in Uttar Pradesh’s SDG journey. Despite economic progress, the district faces significant environmental and governance challenges. Collaborative governance, enhanced funding, and stronger citizen participation are key to accelerating Greater Noida’s SDG progress and aligning with India’s Agenda 2030.

KOLKATA (WEST BENGAL)

Profile: Kolkata, the district and capital of West Bengal, covers an area of 206.08 sq.km and has a population of more than 4.5 million (floating population of 60,00,000 people per day) with a density of 24,252 sq.km. It composites 1 million buildings (out of which 79.23% are reinforced, cement concrete structures); vehicular population of 1.05 million; total road length of 4,636 km; total length of sewer lines (bricked 200 km/ piped 1784 km); total 953 km length of Open drains; 437 MGD of water supply; 12,000 hand tube-wells and 350 large tube-wells. Kolkata accounts for solid waste generation and disposal of 4,500 MT per day. Administratively, it is divided into 144 wards and 16 boroughs governed by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC, n.d). 

According to the SDG India Index 2023-24, West Bengal has been ranked 10th among Indian states, with a composite score of 70 out of 100 (NITI Aayog, 2023). West Bengal, since 2018, has been consistently categorised as an ‘Aspirant’ under SDG 5 and 13. The state has been a persistent ‘Performer’ under SDG 1, 4, and 8. ‘Front Runner’ under SDG 3, 6, 10, 12, 15, 16 and has an exceptional ‘Achiever’ status under SDG 7 and 14. Whereas SDG 17 has not been quantitatively analyzed due to data unavailability, qualitative analysis has been attempted (SDG India Index, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023).

In the 2022 GOI Department of Science and Technology Report, titled ‘Mapping Science and Technology in West Bengal,’ a few district-based Indicators of Immediate Concerns (IoCs) have been identified collating secondary data sources like NFHS-5, NSS-PLFS (2019), NCRB (2018), etc. Kolkata has been marked as a district of concern under SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Based on these metrics namely – (a.) Increase rate of crimes against women per 1,00,000 female population; (b.) Per 1,00,000 women who have experienced cruelty/physical violence by the husband or his relatives during the year; (c.) Ratio of female to male Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) (15-59 years); (d.) Contamination of groundwater (arsenic-laden); (e.) Solid Waste Management (Upadhyay et al, 2020).

Recently, in the NITI Aayog’s released report titled “Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025”, West Bengal ranked 16th out of 18 major states. Based on the 5 major sub-indices (namely, quality of expenditure, revenue mobilization, fiscal prudence, debt index, and debt sustainability), the state faltered in most of the parameters. Consequentially, it was categorized under the ‘aspirational category.’ This status highlights the disparity in the state’s ability to generate revenue and manage fiscal policies effectively, influencing its overall fiscal health and economic resilience. Thus, it becomes pertinent to check whether the status and nature of West Bengal’s implicit SDG-linked scheme-based budgeting (AFS) addresses these performance scores on multiple indexes or not. The following tabular data presents the sector-wise budgetary allocation from 2018 to 2025 (in consonance with SDG India Indexes). 

Source: PRS, West Bengal Budgetary Analysis (2018–25)

EVALUATING THE SYNCS OF WEST BENGAL’S SDG PERFORMANCE SCORE AND BUDGETING: It cannot be denied that the state of West Bengal is not concerned about its performance scores. Recently, in the Rs. 3.89 lakh cr. state Annual Financial Statement (AFS) 2025-26, the government allocated over 45.6% (Rs. 1,18,294.89 cr.) of its budget on gender specific schemes like Duare Sarkar, Kanyashree Prakalpa, Rupashree Prakalpa, Lakshmir Bhandar, etc. (Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal, n.d). Since 2018, West Bengal has been categorized as an ‘aspirant’ under SDG 5 (scoring between 0-49). To address its consistently poor performance, the state has gradually increased its allocation over the years. Such skewed and inversely proportional data is an appropriate example of the state’s commitments to real-time data-driven governance (by addressing SDG 5 in particular). 

Alongside, to address the concerns of SDG 6 (Score: 86, SDG India Index, 2023), 13 (Score: 44, SDG India Index, 2023) and 4,5000 tonnes of untreated solid waste. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has proposed to allocate Rs. 453 crore to the water supply department and  Rs. 720 crore to the solid waste management department in its budget for 2024-25, which is also the highest allocation made to any department in the year. 

To conclude, despite having a mechanism for sectoral budgeting (not explicitly SDG-linked), the state has not yet developed any SDG dashboards, State Indicator Framework (SIF), District Indicator Framework (DIF), and Block Indicator Framework (BIF) till date, which is itself an indicator of concern when we are counting down the time to achieve the targets set for Agenda @2030.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SDG LOCALIZATION-BASED PERFORMANCE

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