Stubble burning has been a common agriculture practice for many years. It involves setting fire to the straw stubble (crop residues) that remains after crop grains such as wheat and rice are harvested. It is the quick and cheap practice done to clear the fields.
In Punjab, also known as the ‘Food Basket of India’ due to its agricultural output, the incidence of stubble burning has continued to rise on a large scale. This leads to adverse effects on the air quality in Punjab and its regional cities, including Chandigarh.
Poor Air Quality Index Reported in Punjab
According to the latest reports, around 5,299 cases of stubble burning have been reported in the last 10 days, and over 3,162 have been reported in the previous 10 days. The city of Chandigarh has been reported in a red zone due to its poor air quality. While the five districts of Punjab, including Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Bathinda, and Patiala, are also placed in the orange zone.
However, the authorities have been taking stringent measures to improve the air condition.
The authorities have told that the Air Quality Index in Chandigarh has reached 325 at midnight on Saturday and peaked at 408. In the Punjab region, Mandi Gobindgarh reported an AQI of 280, with a peak level at 360. Amritsar reported an AQI of 240, which rose to a maximum of 312.
Bathinda and Jalandhar reported an AQI of 170 and 173, respectively. Khanna AQI was observed at 202, Ludhiana was at 216. Patiala was at 148 and Ropar at 225.
Government’s Action Against Stubble Warning
Amid this ongoing issue, a Central team is also anticipated to visit Punjab on November 13 to assess the situation. The team will visit with a primary aim to address stubble management.
This committee will discuss and work together with the pollution control board, environmental agencies, and the agriculture department to review their strategies and effectiveness in resolving the issue.
Development of CAQM
Additionally, in July 2023, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change of India said to prioritize crop residue management as one of the priority areas for prevention of air pollution. It also held meetings with the state governments of Punjab, Haryana, UP, Rajasthan, Delhi, the state governments of NCR states, the Delhi Pollution Committee, and other stakeholders. They also developed a framework to prevent and control the issue of stubble burning. It was developed by the Commissioner for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM).
They also updated some revised action plans from the previous 3-year action plans to manage stubble burning.
Here are some key highlights from Government’s Revised Action Plans for 2024:
- Mapping and Management: This includes implementing a comprehensive mapping of in-situ (using CRM machinery, biodecomposer) and ex-situ (as fuel/food stock) management methods for all farms.
- Machine Allocation: Under this, the government is directed to review and allocate CRM machines in Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Farm Banks.
About CHCs
The CHCs are facilities where farmers can rent machinery and equipments for agricultural purposes. These are made in order to make designed modern tools easily accessible and affordable for the farmers.
About FPO
A Farmer Producer Organization is a collective of farmers who came together to improve their agricultural practices and market their productions more effectively. These are legally registered entities that help to provide better services, machines and fertilizers, and technical and financial advice to the farmers.
- Resource Augmentation: It means to increase the number of CHCs machines by individuals and ensure they have necessary resources.
- Monitoring: It involves establishing IT/Web based monitoring systems and conducting surveillance by local teams.
- Awareness Campaigns: This time, the government has stressed the need to enhance and increase awareness activities about the harmful effects of stubble burning.
- Reviewing and Monitoring: It includes conducting frequent reviews and closely monitoring the implementation of the action plans at various government levels.
Is Situation Expected to be Same?
However, despite increased efforts from the state authorities and the government of India, stubble-burning incidents remain high in the region. It involves particularly in Sangrur, where around 887 cases were registered. Amritsar reported 633 cases, while Tarn Taran has reported 612 cases.
While the meteorological department prediction is little hopeful for the state of Punjab, as the meteorological department said that there are no signs of rainfall in the coming days. “This lack of precipitation, coupled with continued pollution, has worsened the heat and smog conditions. The minimum temperature in Punjab currently stands at 5.8 degrees below the seasonal norm,” it added.
Kanishka Malhotra is a seasoned journalist with a deep passion for reporting and uncovering the truth. With a specialization in research and investigative Journalism, she has covered wide range of topics related to social issues, travel, lifestyle, technology, Entertainment and much more. She believes to express and share her creativity to the world through words. With relentless pursuit of knowing and uncovering the truth, Kanishka continues to leave a mark in the world of journalism.
Comments