The practice of stubble burning continues to choke the air quality in North India, despite efforts to curb the harmful practice.
Rising Smoke and Health Risks
As November settles over Punjab and Haryana, the thick smoke from stubble burning looms large, blanketing villages like Punnawal in Sangrur district. The once serene landscape is now marred by the acrid smell of burning paddy residue, as farmers like 60-year-old Jarnail Singh set fire to their fields. The practice, which has been ongoing for years, leaves behind a toxic haze that worsens air quality across North India’s Gangetic plains.
The Struggle Behind the Fires
Every year, after the paddy harvest, farmers face the dilemma of what to do with the large amounts of leftover crop residue. While stubble burning is a quick and cheap solution, it is far from environmentally friendly. Despite a decline in the number of fires over recent years, many farmers continue to burn their fields due to the high cost of machinery required for alternative methods and the lack of financial incentives.
In Punnawal, Singh and his family set their six-acre field ablaze, preparing it for wheat sowing. “It’s the only way we know how to clear the land quickly,” says Singh, pointing to the growing financial strain of adopting cleaner methods.
Impact on Air Quality
The smoke from these fires, combined with pollution from vehicles and industrial emissions, creates a dangerous cocktail of airborne particles. This persistent haze worsens air quality in cities like Delhi, especially during the winter months when the cold air traps pollutants close to the ground. The situation becomes particularly dire post-Deepavali when fireworks exacerbate the already poor air quality.
The Road Ahead
While the government has introduced measures to reduce stubble burning, such as fines and awareness campaigns, farmers argue that these initiatives are not enough. Without proper support and affordable technology, the practice of stubble burning remains an enduring problem. For many, it’s simply a matter of survival in an environment where agricultural pressures continue to mount.
As the battle to curb stubble burning rages on, the people of Punjab and Haryana remain caught in the middle, facing both economic and environmental challenges.
