STUBBLE TROUBLE
1. Stubble burning
What is Stubble?
Stubble refers to the leftover plant material, mainly crop residues, that remains in the field after the primary crop has been harvested. This includes the stems, leaves, and other organic material that is left behind.
Stubble burning is a common agricultural practice where farmers set fire to crop residues, such as straw and stubble, that remain in the field after the main crop (usually paddy or wheat) has been harvested. This practice is typically used as a quick and cost-effective method to clear the field for the next planting season. Stubble burning is particularly prevalent in regions with mechanized farming, where machines like combine harvesters leave behind a significant amount of crop residues.
2. Stubble burning contributes to air pollution
When stubble is burned, it releases a variety of pollutants into the air, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide. These pollutants can cause several health problems, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer.
Stubble burning is a major contributor to air pollution in many parts of the world. In India, for example, stubble burning is responsible for up to 30% of the air pollution in Delhi during the winter months.
- Stubble burning generates fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, leading to respiratory problems and reduced air quality.
- The combustion of stubble releases carbon monoxide, which can have adverse health effects when inhaled, particularly in enclosed spaces.
- Stubble burning produces Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which can react with other pollutants in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major air pollutant.
- Burning stubble emits greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), contributing to climate change.
- The combustion of crop residues can release various hazardous chemicals and pollutants, further deteriorating air quality.
3. Air Pollution Across North India
Air pollution is a significant environmental concern in North India, particularly during the winter months when a combination of factors leads to a deterioration in air quality. The region experiences high levels of particulate matter, including PM2.5 and PM10, which can have severe health consequences for residents.
Major Contributors to Air Pollution in North India
- The burning of agricultural residues, primarily paddy straw, after harvest in the neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh is a major contributor to air pollution in North India. The smoke from these fires carries pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, and carbon monoxide, which can travel long distances and exacerbate air quality in the region.
- The increasing number of vehicles on the roads in North India, particularly in urban areas, contributes significantly to air pollution. Vehicles release a range of pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons, which can form harmful ground-level ozone when exposed to sunlight.
- Industrial activities, particularly brick kilns, power plants, and other manufacturing industries, release various pollutants, including particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, which can contribute to air pollution.
- Dust from construction sites and unpaved roads can also contribute to air pollution, especially during dry seasons. Windblown dust can carry PM2.5 and PM10 particles, leading to increased air pollution levels.
- During the winter months, North India experiences a phenomenon called "meteorological inversion," where a layer of warm air traps pollutants near the ground, preventing their dispersion. This condition, combined with low wind speeds and fog, can lead to severe air pollution episodes.
4. Lancet reports
The Lancet, one of the world's most prestigious medical journals, has published a series of articles on the health effects of stubble burning. The articles found that stubble burning is a major source of air pollution and that it can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory infections, asthma, and cancer.
The stubble burning is a major contributor to climate change. Stubble burning releases large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which trap heat and contribute to global warming.
The Lancet call for urgent action to address the problem of stubble burning and recommends several measures, including:
- Promoting the use of alternative methods of harvesting and managing crop residues.
- Providing financial incentives to farmers to adopt alternative methods of harvesting and managing crop residues.
- Enforcing laws and regulations that prohibit stubble burning.
- Raising awareness of the health and environmental effects of stubble burning.
5. Health impacts of stubble burning
- The air pollutants released from stubble burning can cause several respiratory problems, including asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. They can also increase the risk of lung cancer.
- The air pollutants released from stubble burning can also increase the risk of heart disease.
- Some of the air pollutants released from stubble burning, such as benzene and formaldehyde, are known carcinogens.
- Smoke from stubble burning can cause eye irritation, including redness, watering, and burning.
- Smoke from stubble burning can also cause skin irritation, including redness, itching, and dryness.
6. Government Initiatives and Challenges
Several government initiatives have been implemented to curb stubble burning in India. These include:
- The government provides subsidies for the purchase of machinery that can be used to manage crop residues without burning, such as happy seeder machines and mulchers.
- The government conducts awareness campaigns to educate farmers about the harmful effects of stubble burning and promote alternative practices.
- The government has enacted stricter laws against stubble burning and is working to improve enforcement mechanisms.
- The government has imposed financial penalties on farmers who are caught burning stubble.
- The government has developed mobile applications that help farmers identify alternative methods of managing crop residues and access information about government schemes.
The Consortium for Research on Agroecosystem Monitoring and Modelling in Space (CREAMS)
The Consortium for Research on Agroecosystem Monitoring and Modelling in Space (CREAMS) is an Indian research organization under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and hosted by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi. CREAMS was formed on July 12, 2009, and focuses on developing and using satellite remote sensing and geospatial technologies for the monitoring and modelling of Indian agroecosystems.
CREAMS aims to address the increasing demand for agricultural production and the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation.
Punjab Pollution Control Board
The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) is a statutory body of the Government of Punjab, India, entrusted with the responsibility of preventing and controlling environmental pollution in the state. It was established in 1975 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, of 1974. The PPCB is headquartered in Patiala, Punjab. The PPCB's recent initiatives including
- The PPCB has launched an online consent management system to streamline the process of granting consent to industries.
- The PPCB is implementing the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to reduce air pollution in the state.
- The PPCB is installing online monitoring systems at industries to monitor pollution levels in real-time.
- The PPCB has launched a mobile app to provide information about air quality and pollution control measures.
The PPCB is committed to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for the people of Punjab. The organization is working tirelessly to reduce pollution levels and promote sustainable development in the state.
Challenges
Despite these efforts, there are several challenges to stopping stubble burning:
- Many farmers cannot afford to purchase machinery for managing crop residues, and they may not have access to the necessary training to use these machines.
- Stubble burning is a deeply ingrained practice in many parts of India, and it may be difficult to change farmers' attitudes and behaviours.
- Many areas in India lack the necessary infrastructure to support alternative methods of managing crop residues, such as composting facilities and baling centres.
- There is a need for strong political will to enforce laws against stubble burning and to allocate sufficient resources to address this issue.
7. Conclusion
Despite government measures and farmers' initiatives, the air pollution crisis persists, demanding a collective and sustained effort to protect public health and the environment. Balancing agricultural practices with environmental consciousness remains a complicated challenge, requiring innovative solutions, timely interventions, and collaboration between stakeholders.
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Mains Pratice Questions 1. Examine the factors contributing to air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic Plain and how it becomes a recurring issue, particularly during the winter months. (250 Words)
2. Discuss innovative solutions for crop residue management, such as biomass energy plants and industrial boilers, and evaluate their impact on reducing stubble burning incidents. (250 Words)
3. Discuss the role of international cooperation in addressing air pollution, considering the transboundary nature of the problem. (250 Words)
4. Examine the challenges faced by farmers in adopting alternative methods of stubble management and suggest viable solutions. (250 Words)
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