Rising Stubble Burning in Madhya Pradesh | 28 Oct 2024

Why in News?

Recent data reveals a surge in stubble burning in Madhya Pradesh, surpassing traditional hotspots Punjab and Haryana, intensifying pollution in Delhi.

Key Points

  • Data Overview:  
    • Madhya Pradesh recorded 536 stubble burning cases recently, surpassing Punjab (410 cases) and Haryana (192 cases). 
    • Increased burning in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan also contributes to air quality issues, challenging previous assumptions about pollution sources. 
  • Impact on Delhi:  
    • Stubble burning has contributed significantly to Delhi's poor air quality, with projections suggesting an Air Quality Index (AQI) rise to 400 by 31st October, 2024. 
    • Urgent action is needed across states to manage crop residue burning, potentially through farmer incentives or alternative uses. 

Stubble Burning

  • About: 
    • Stubble (parali) burning is a method of removing paddy crop residues from the field to sow wheat from the last week of September to November, coinciding with the withdrawal of southwest monsoon. 
    • Stubble burning is a process of setting on fire the straw stubble, left after the harvesting of grains, like paddy, wheat, etc. It is usually required in areas that use the combined harvesting method which leaves crop residue behind. 
    • It is a common practice in October and November across North West India, but primarily in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.