Stubble Burning
Context
Every year during winters, North India particularly the Indo-Gangetic plains suffer the worst air pollutions. The article discusses the importance of addressing this issue to control pollution.
Relevance:
GS – 1 (Land Resources, Conservation of Resources)
GS – 2 (Government Policies & Interventions)
Dimensions of the Article
- What is the Issue surrounding stubble farming?
- Significance of addressing stubble burning.
- Suggested measures
What is the Issue surrounding stubble farming?
- Paddy Stubble Burning: The underlying cause for the air pollution is mostly due to large-scale paddy stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana. The burning accounts for upto 40% of the pollutant load in Delhi during October and November.
- Inadequate Implementation: Although Supreme court has exclusively told to stop stubble burning, few states like Uttar Pradesh saw a 30% increase in burning incidents. However, here was a 59% drop in burning incidents in Punjab and a 40% decrease in Haryana in 2023.
- Operational Gaps: In-situ (on-field) and ex-situ crop residue management technologies and co-firing straw in thermal power plants have been proposed to reduce pollution to some extent. Despite that, the unavailability of machines when needed and the absence of a smooth supply chain to transport straw from fields to power plants hinder progress.
Significance of addressing Stubble burning:
- Health and Environment: It leads to severe respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases, posing a severe threat to human health. Hence, reducing stubble burning can significantly improve air quality that will benefit millions of people.
- Uphold Judicial Mandate: The Supreme Court has already directed that stubble burning should be eliminated. Ensuring compliance will not only improve public health but also uphold judicial mandates, reinforcing accountability.
- Economic Incentives: Proper management of paddy straw can provide economic benefits to farmers, such as earning income through selling straw for industrial use.
Suggested Measures
- Improving Infrastructure and Accessibility: Government must ensure that the already existing machines for in-situ and ex-situ crop residue management should be made available on a timely basis.
- Streamlining Straw Collection and Transport: It is important to focus on building a robust system for the efficient collection and transportation of paddy straw to thermal power plants or other industries.
- Collaborative Effort: Both the Centre and the States need to work together, setting aside political differences, to tackle the problem of air pollution. A coordinated strategy that includes awareness campaigns, economic incentives, punitive measures, and strong enforcement is essential for lasting impact.
Conclusion
Both Centre and State should work together, as it is a long-term effort between governments, farmers, industries, and the public. Working collectively for a greater cause ensures that it will last for a long-time protecting the environment for future generations.
