As Delhi grapples with its annual air quality crisis, the issue of stubble burning in the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana is once again in the spotlight. The capital woke up on Wednesday under a blanket of smog, with Air Quality Index (AQI) levels recorded in the ‘very poor’ category across multiple areas.
While restrictions under Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have been imposed, the focus remains on Punjab and Haryana farmers, often blamed for contributing to Delhi’s pollution through the burning of crop residue.
Despite ongoing discussions and government efforts, farmers in Punjab say they have little choice but to continue the practice. In Mohali district, heaps of stubble are still visible in fields as farmers await the delivery of machinery needed to manage the crop residue before the next sowing season begins.
Farmers’ Perspective: “We Are Helpless”
The NDTV quoted a farmer who said, “We are helpless, the sowing season has begun. By now, our fields should have been ploughed and ready. But the stubble is still here, we cannot run tractors.
“The government is talking about baler machines, but they are not available in adequate numbers.”
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When asked about the government’s claim that equipment had been provided to manage crop residue, another farmer expressed frustration: “Some agriculture officials came to meet us. We asked them to find a solution. Initially, they said they would send machines. Later, they refused and said the machines wouldn’t come to our lands because we have small holdings.”
The situation appears to be more manageable for farmers with larger land holdings, but even they face challenges. One such farmer called for the government’s cooperation in utilizing crop stubble for productive purposes like manufacturing oil. “The machines are not viable for those with small land holdings if they want to get crop residue removed on their own. On the ground level, no machines are being made available. They are only showing it on paper,” he said.
Government Response and Air Quality Measures
As Delhi struggles with worsening air quality, authorities have urged citizens to take preventive measures. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), set up to manage pollution in the capital, has asked residents to use public transport, replace air filters in their vehicles, and avoid dust-generating activities. Additionally, the commission has reiterated the ban on open burning of solid waste and biomass.
The Supreme Court has also weighed in, criticizing the Punjab and Haryana governments for failing to prosecute those responsible for stubble burning. The chief secretaries of both states have been summoned to appear before the court today to explain the lack of action.
The Broader Problem of Stubble Burning
Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana has long been identified as a significant contributor to Delhi’s air pollution. Every year, after the rice harvest, farmers in these states burn the leftover straw, which releases vast amounts of smoke and particulate matter into the atmosphere, severely impacting air quality in the entire region.
Despite several government initiatives, such as the provision of baler machines and subsidies, many farmers say the equipment is either inadequate or inaccessible. The reliance on burning stems from a combination of economic constraints, lack of alternatives, and the urgency of clearing fields in time for the next crop cycle.
The Way Forward
While the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that finding a sustainable solution to stubble burning will require greater collaboration between state governments, the farming community, and environmental bodies. Until then, Delhi’s residents must brace themselves for more bad air days as the city’s pollution levels show no signs of improvement.
