Stubble burning doubles compared to last year despite government efforts to curb air pollution

Meanwhile, the Central government has allocated a total fund of Rs 600 crore this year to Punjab and Haryana to curb air pollution caused by farm fires. Out of the total funds, Rs 200 crore has been given to Punjab and Haryana. The government usually allocates the funds for subsidising machines that can be used for in-situ management of paddy straws to prevent the cases of stubble burning. However, this year, the guidelines for managing crop residue have changed.

As per the revised guidelines on crop residue management, the Centre has planned to allow both in-situ management of paddy residue and ex-situ processing of the stubble for further processing which can be used as compost and industrial raw materials. Additionally, the government will be offering financial assistance for the capital cost of the machinery through a subsidy of up to 75 percent for the project, while the remaining 25 percent will be contributed by the industry as operational costs.

Following the start of stubble burning in the neighbouring states, the air quality in Delhi has started worsening. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital was recorded at 159, which is categorised as ‘poor’, on Thursday morning, reported Hindustan Times.

Reportedly, the practice of burning paddy straw in the neighbouring states has been a significant contributor to the rise in air pollution levels in the Delhi-NCR region during October and November.

Stubble burning is a process of setting fire to the leftover stubble after the harvesting of wheat or paddy. This practice is seen in areas that use the dual crop practice which leaves residue of crops after harvesting. It is done usually in October and November across the northwest region of India, and primarily in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.