Stubble Burning Doubles Delhi Pollution

Presently, Delhi and its neighbouring areas are facing prospects of pollution from crop burning. It is because the harvesting of crops is reaching its peak. It is estimated that the wheat stubble burning is set to increase in Haryana and Punjab, where rain had brought relief in the recent days.

According to the officials, stubble burning has decreased by 60% in Punjab in April while such incidents are 30% less in Haryana. It has been calculated by Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), Suomi NASA. While burning of paddy in kharif is a big concern in winters due to concentration of toxic residue, the pollution is well distributed in summers as a result of higher temperature. Due to occurrence of rain in the present week, the burning has come down a little. Fire is more prevalent in districts of Kaithal, Karnal, Rohtak, Kurukshetra, Ambala, Panipat as compared to Southern districts. Dr. RS Hooda who is chief scientist at Haryana Space Apllication Centre, stated that the latest ground situation on stubble burning is sent through SMS to over hundred officials stationed across districts every single day. Alongside, the number of fire accidents have also decreased to 1030 compared to 3333 in the same period last year. Generally, the impact of stubble burning is less in wheat season because much of the stubble is used as fodder and also mixed with soil while paddy stubble has high silica content. The stubble burning in general doesn’t only affect the air and its quality but also has a harmful impact on the quality of soil.

By: Anuja Arora

Content: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/pollution-alert-in-delhi-after-haryana-punjab-crop-burning/articleshow/64023090.cms