As of now, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) stands at 500, placing it in the "severe plus" category. This reflects the city's ongoing and severe air pollution problem in recent years. This high AQI indicates dangerously high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in the air, which can have serious negative impacts on health. The primary cause of this pollution is the illegal burning of stubble in the nearby states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. Due to this hazardous practice, the city is enveloped in "smog," a toxic mixture of smoke and fog that poses significant health risks to its residents.
In Delhi, stubble burning is a major cause of air pollution, particularly in the winter. On some days in November 2024, stubble burning was responsible for 38% of Delhi's pollution levels, according to data from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). Over this time, this percentage has been continuously increasing, with contributions frequently surpassing 30%.
In nearby states like Punjab and Haryana, burning crop residue after harvest emits a lot of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and other pollutants into the atmosphere. These pollutants are transported to Delhi by wind patterns, worsening the already poor air quality in the city.
Improving Delhi's air quality depends on initiatives to lessen stubble burning, such as encouraging alternate techniques for managing crop residue and offering financial assistance for equipment. However, due to the substantial negative effects stubble burning has on public health and air quality, it is prohibited. To lessen these negative consequences and encourage sustainable agricultural methods, the government has passed rules and regulations that forbid this practice. Despite these measures, enforcement remains challenging, resulting in ongoing unlawful burning.
Contribution of Stubble Burning to Air Pollution,
| Year | Contribution of Stubble Burning to Air Pollution (%) |
|---|---|
| 2019 | - 25% |
| 2020 | - 28% |
| 2021 | - 30% |
| 2022 | - 32% |
| 2023 | - 35% |
| 2024 | - 38% |
This table shows an increasing trend in the contribution of stubble burning to Delhi's air pollution over the years. The data indicates that stubble burning has become a more significant factor in recent years.
Harmful Chemicals and Pollutants Released,
When stubble burns, harmful chemicals and pollutants are released into the atmosphere, such as:
Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10): Fine particles that penetrate deep into the lungs.
Carbon Monoxide (CO): A harmful gas that reduces the amount of oxygen carried by the blood.
Methane (CH4): A potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Organic chemicals that can cause serious health problems.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Gases that cause respiratory issues and acid rain.
Health Impacts,
Delhi's medical visits have noticeably increased since Diwali 2024 as a result of air pollution. Hospitals have seen an increase in patients with respiratory conditions, especially among older adults and children. Physicians have noted a rise in cases of bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory ailments. The extreme air pollution has led to more hospital admissions and worsened symptoms.
The pollutants released from burning stubble have serious negative health effects, such as:
Respiratory Problems: A rise in bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses.
Cardiovascular Diseases: Prolonged exposure to contaminated air raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Additional Health Issues: Irritation of the throat, nose, and eyes, as well as possible long-term consequences including cancer.
Economic Impact,
Burning stubble contributes to air pollution, which has an impact on our economy and public health.
Air pollution from burning stubble has a major detrimental impact on the economy. As the city's air quality deteriorates, it leads to a decline in tourism, higher healthcare costs due to illnesses caused by pollution, and decreased productivity as people become sick and miss work. Ecosystem services and agriculture are also impacted by environmental damage, which further strains the economy. Solving this problem is critical to public health and economic stability.
The economic effects of Delhi's air pollution are severe and diverse. The following is a breakdown of economic loss:
Delhi has suffered an enormous financial loss as a result of stubble burning. Research by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) estimates that Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana lose over ₹2.35 lakh crore annually. This is mostly because air pollution has detrimental consequences on the environment, agriculture, and human health. Over a period of five years, this cost might reach ₹11 lakh crore.
For comparison, stubble burning accounts for about 38% of Delhi's air pollution, with the remainder coming from industrial and vehicular operations. A concerning trend is indicated by the city's Air Quality Index (AQI), which has continuously dropped into the hazardous category.
Healthcare Costs: The annual economic loss resulting from air pollution-related healthcare expenses is estimated to range from ₹1.5 lakh crore to ₹2 lakh crore. Due to high levels of air pollution, treating diseases including respiratory and cardiovascular disorders increases healthcare expenses. This includes hospital stays, prescription drugs, and long-term care for chronic conditions.
Agricultural Losses: Burning stubble also reduces crop yields and revenue, impacting agricultural production.
Productivity Loss: Poor air quality affects worker productivity because people take sick days and get sick more frequently. Reduced productivity in various industries and lost work hours affect overall economic output.
Decline in Tourism: Delhi's reputation as one of the most polluted cities in the world may deter tourists, lowering revenue from the travel industry. Businesses like hotels and restaurants that rely on tourist spending are affected.
Environmental Damage: Air pollution can damage crops, soil, and water supplies, reducing agricultural productivity and increasing farmer costs. This may also affect the price and availability of food.
Economic Costs: Studies have shown that premature illnesses and deaths caused by air pollution have a significant financial impact. For example, a Lancet article claims that air pollution will cost Delhi's economy 1.06% of its GDP in 2019.
Government Spending: To address air pollution, the government must set aside money for public awareness campaigns, polluter fines, and subsidies for cleaner technologies. These expenses increase the financial load.
Long-term Impact: The long-term health effects of air pollution can raise the number of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and put more load on the healthcare system, which puts more financial strain on the economy.
For the sake of public health and economic stability, stubble burning must be stopped. By investing in sustainable farming practices and alternative stubble removal technologies, these costs can be decreased and the overall quality of the air improved.
Government Programs,
To prevent stubble burning, the government has put in place a number of measures, such as:
Crop Residue Management: The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change has identified crop residue management as a priority area for preventing air pollution.
Action Plans: The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has developed action plans for Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to prevent stubble burning.
Alternative Solutions: The government is supporting alternative options including ethanol production and biomass power plants to lessen stubble burning.
Although these action plans are designed to mitigate the economic and environmental impact of stubble burning in Delhi and the surrounding areas, the situation continues to worsen each year. The failure of these plans can be attributed to several factors, such as:
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