News in brief: Stubble burning remains a major contributor to air pollution in northern India, and farmers remain reluctant to abandon the practice.
Stubble burning, which means setting leftover crop residue ablaze, remains prevalent in the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana, contributing significantly to air pollution in the region, a news report said.
According to government air-quality monitoring agency SAFAR, stubble burning in these states has historically accounted for between 30% to 40% of the city of Delhi’s air pollution during the months of October and November.
While government initiatives and fines have led to a reduction in stubble burning incidents this year of about 40% to 50% compared to the previous year, farmers in several villages across Karnal district remain reluctant to abandon the practice.
Nearly a dozen farmers revealed that they intend to continue burning stubble despite being aware of its environmental and health consequences.
Their reluctance stems from several factors like lack of affordable alternatives for stubble disposal and the belief that burning is the most efficient and cost-effective method.
Additionally, farmers have expressed concerns about the financial viability of adopting alternative practices, such as using machinery to incorporate stubble into the soil.
The persistence of stubble burning poses a serious challenge to air quality management in northern India and government promises. The smoke from burning stubble contains harmful pollutants, including particulate matter, which can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
Addressing this issue will require a multi-pronged approach that includes providing farmers with incentives and support for adopting alternative stubble management practices, as well as raising awareness about the environmental and health impacts of stubble burning.
