Authors : S.V.Ghonmode
Page Nos : 90-93
Description :
India is an agricultural-driven economy where 50% of the population is engaged in agriculture. The production of crops such as rice, sugarcane, and wheat are the major food products which feed the people and also are the major contributor to the foreign sector. The best, quick and easy way of clearing thousands of acre of stubble is the burning of agricultural land bearing crops grains, like paddy, wheat, and many more crops that have been harvested. However this thousand of acres of burned land could have possibilities of resulting air pollution and can affect different health hazards. Residents of towns and the surrounding countryside in the range of the smoke and pollution say that their health and quality of life has been extremely affected by such activities.This type of stubble burning is mostly associated with the urban areas as they are considered to be developed as compared to rural areas. Farmers believe that burning makes planting easier and kills pests. The practice was widespread until the 1990s, when governments increasingly restricted its use. Stubble burning causes excessive air pollution leading to higher risk of health issues. The Air Quality Index (AQI) between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 is satisfactory, 101 to 200 is moderate, 201 to 300 is poor, 301 to 400 is very poor and 401 to 500 is severe. Such type of stubble burning cases occurred in Punjab and Haryana to Delhi-NCR. Stubble burning causes air pollution by emission of greenhouse and various harmful gases which is many times higher than the standard level of gases as recommended by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).This contributes to the respiratory diseases like eye irritation, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma etc.
