Stubble Burning in Delhi

Every year, from late September to November, stubble burning in Delhi and nearby states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh becomes one of the biggest contributors to Delhi pollution. This practice leads to dense Delhi smog, deteriorating air quality, and health crises in the National Capital Region (NCR).

For SSC aspirants, this is an important topic under environment and current affairs, often linked with air pollution in India and government policies.

What is Stubble Burning?

Stubble burning in Delhi refers to the practice of setting fire to crop residue (mainly paddy straw) left in the fields after harvesting. It is commonly practiced in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh due to the need for quick field preparation before sowing wheat.

Causes of stubble burning in Delhi:

• Mono-cropping patterns supported by MSP for paddy and wheat.

• Cost-effectiveness, as burning is cheaper than using machinery like balers and shredders.

• Weed management, since fire destroys weeds and seeds.

• Climate variability, where delayed monsoons push farmers to burn stubble quickly.

• Limited alternatives, as the infrastructure for crop residue burning solutions in India is inadequate.

Impacts of Stubble Burning in Delhi

1. Air Pollution due to crop burning

• Increases PM2.5 and PM10 levels, worsening the Delhi NCR pollution crisis.

• Causes Delhi smog, reducing visibility and increasing health risks. 

2. Health Effects of stubble burning and air pollution in Delhi NCR

• Triggers asthma, COPD, bronchitis, and lung cancer.

• Worsens respiratory conditions in children and the elderly.

3. Impact of stubble burning on Delhi air quality

• Releases pollutants like CO, NOx, CH₄, VOCs, and greenhouse gases.

• Contributes to global warming.

4. Soil Fertility Loss

• Burning kills beneficial microbes, reduces soil nutrients, and depletes moisture.

Challenges in Controlling Stubble Burning in Delhi

• Technological barriers: Harvesters leave 10–15 cm stubble, which is difficult to remove without special machinery.

• Policy gaps: Confusion in compensation rules and emphasis on penalties over incentives.

• Economic issues: Small farmers lack funds for machinery despite subsidies.

• Logistical hurdles: No proper supply chain for paddy residue burning in Punjab and Haryana.

Government Measures and Supreme Court’s Role

Recently, Supreme Court measures against stubble burning in Delhi directed Punjab, Haryana, and UP to fill vacancies in Pollution Control Boards and suggested strict penal action.

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) initiatives include:

• In-situ crop residue management using machinery like Happy Seeder and Pusa Decomposer.

• Ex-situ utilization for biomass energy, ethanol, biogas, and packaging materials.

• Ban on crop residue burning with strict penalties for violators.

• Financial aid under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) for small and marginal farmers.

Technological and Local Innovations

• Happy Seeder: Sows wheat without burning crop residue.

• Pusa Decomposer: A microbial solution converting stubble into compost within 20–25 days.

• Biochar production: Turns stubble into soil-friendly carbon.

• Pelletization: Converts stubble into biomass pellets for energy.

• State initiatives:

  • Chhattisgarh: Gauthans convert stubble into organic fertilizers.

  • Punjab: Mobile apps like i-Khet help farmers access residue management machinery.

Alternatives to Stubble Burning in Delhi

• Promoting short-duration paddy varieties to reduce sowing pressure.

• Converting stubble into fodder, biofuel, paper, cardboard, and compost.

• Implementing real-time crop mapping for better monitoring.

• Providing guaranteed pricing of crop residue to motivate farmers.

Why Farmers Burn Stubble in Punjab and Haryana

Despite penalties and awareness campaigns, many farmers continue stubble burning in Delhi and nearby states because it:

• Saves time and labor before the next sowing cycle.

• Costs less than modern residue management technologies.

• Lacks proper government-supported infrastructure for collection and processing.

Final Thoughts

Stubble burning in Delhi is the practice of setting fire to leftover crop residues, especially paddy straw, after harvest. It is most common in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh and significantly contributes to Delhi pollution and dense Delhi smog during October and November. Farmers often burn stubble because it is cost-effective, saves time, and helps control weeds, but this practice has severe consequences.

Air pollution due to crop burning increases levels of PM2.5 and PM10, causing respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer. It also harms soil health by destroying nutrients and beneficial microbes and releases greenhouse gases that worsen climate change.

Despite government efforts, including Supreme Court measures against stubble burning in Delhi, subsidies, and technologies like the Happy Seeder and Pusa Decomposer, many farmers continue burning due to limited alternatives. Solutions include using crop residues for biofuel, compost, and fodder; promoting short-duration paddy varieties; and improving infrastructure for residue management.