Authors: Rohina Ghafari, Zuhal Sayedi, and Diana Niazi
Topic: Assessing the Effects of Environmental Pollution Caused by Houses in Unplanned Areas on Residents in Informal Settlements
Abstract:
This research investigated the environmental challenges of inadequate urban planning in the Aqai Khormayi area (Adina roads) within the 6th district of Mazar-i-Sharif. As an active social worker with (ILO) employment generation project in the Adina Mosque area, firsthand access to the social and environmental conditions was possible. Through various methods such as observation, secondary data research, focus groups, fieldwork, and interviews, several key findings were uncovered:
Unpaved roads and streets contribute to dust pollution during the summer, while in winter and rainy seasons, the dust turns into mud, making it challenging for people to use the roads and streets. Children playing on these contaminated surfaces face significant health risks. Environmental pollution leads to quicker soiling of clothes, resulting in increased water usage and detergent consumption, raising concerns from a sustainability perspective. Creek water pollution was observed in the area. The pollution has negative psychological impacts on the residents, leading to more frequent illnesses
Based on the validation of our hypothesis that “Lack of proper urban planning and paved roads/streets cause increased environmental pollution and health risks for the people living in the area” it was evident that low living standards and high illiteracy rates in this locality have resulted in widespread poverty and unemployment compared to other areas.
This research aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Keywords: Environmental Pollution, Transportation, Unplanned Areas, Urbanization, Sustainability
This abstract is part of a complete research report which is done by the author of this abstract. The research is conducted in a mentorship process with supervision of academic mentors as part of a learning program. The complete research article publication is subject to a peer review process and establishment of a research journal within Unisfere.
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2023