Delhi to say goodbye to good air days as Punjab commences stubble burning

Delhiites eagerly anticipate a special season when the skies turn brilliantly blue during the day and a slight chill graces the evenings, marking the transition from the sweltering summer to the harsh winter. This period is treasured before Delhi plunges into its infamous winter, characterized by toxic air, often referred to as the “gas chamber.” However, this cherished season is under threat as recent visuals of stubble burning in neighboring Punjab suggest.

Air Quality Status in Delhi

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi on a recent Thursday evening was recorded at 121, falling within the “Moderate” category, according to SAFAR-India. This indicates that the air quality was relatively better compared to more hazardous levels, but it still raises concerns.

Improvements in Air Quality

Delhi’s air quality showed improvement during the first eight months of 2023 when compared to the last five years, excluding the COVID-impacted year of 2020. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reported that Delhi experienced 163 days of “good” to “moderate” air quality from January to August 2023, highlighting an encouraging trend.

CM’s Winter Pollution Action Plan

To combat air pollution during the approaching winter, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is preparing to launch an action plan. This plan, set to be unveiled on September 29, will build upon last year’s efforts, focusing on addressing various pollution sources such as stubble burning, dust pollution, vehicle emissions, open garbage burning, and industrial pollution.

Targeted Measures for Pollution Hotspots

Delhi has identified several pollution hotspots, including Anand Vihar, Wazirabad, Vivek Vihar, Wazirpur, Ashok Vihar, Dwarka, Jahangirpuri, Rohini, Bawana, Narela, Mundka, Punjabi Bagh, RK Puram, and Okhla Phase 2. Tailored measures will be implemented in each of these areas to address their unique pollution challenges.

Delhi LG’s Concerns at Zonal Council Meeting

Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena, expressed concern at the north zonal council meeting regarding air pollution caused by stubble burning in neighboring states. Despite efforts by Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, Delhi continues to suffer from severe air pollution due to smoke from Punjab. Delhi has taken local measures to address pollution, including dust control, construction bans, and the use of anti-smog technology.

Haryana’s Stubble Burning Eradication Efforts

Haryana has set an ambitious goal to nearly eliminate stubble burning this year, with an estimated 7.3 million tonnes of paddy straw produced across 14.82 lakh hectares of land. The state plans to use the Pusa Bio Decomposer, a microbial solution that breaks down straw in 15-20 days, to manage paddy fields. Financial incentives, including Rs 2,500 per tonne for crop residue and Rs 1,000 per acre for residue management, have been introduced to discourage burning.

Punjab’s Commitment to Reduce Farm Fires

Punjab has submitted an action plan with a pledge to reduce farm fires by over 50% compared to 2022 levels. The plan aims to completely eliminate stubble burning in six districts: Hoshiarpur, Malerkotla, Pathankot, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar (Mohali), and SBS Nagar. This ambitious goal follows extensive meetings between the state government and officials.

Delhi’s fight against air pollution is a multi-faceted effort, involving measures from local authorities, neighbouring states, and the central government. The upcoming winter pollution action plan, combined with Haryana and Punjab’s initiatives to curb stubble burning, offers hope for cleaner air in the national capital. However, continued collaboration and commitment are essential to address the persistent air quality challenges faced by Delhiites.

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