Page 54 - CIJ Feb 2025 - Digital Edition

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Tackling Delhi’s Smog Crisis

Can Stubble Burning Alternatives Clear the Air?

Every winter, Delhi and its neighbouring areas states grapple with severe air pollution, with stubble
burning emerging as a major contributor to the toxic smog that blankets the region. From decomposers
that turn crop residue into organic fertilizer to innovative uses like furniture, cardboard, and bio-packaging,
farmers have options beyond burning. In this article, Nandakumar Marar, Clean India Journal explores these
alternatives, economic benefits and the urgent need to shift from pollution to sustainable progress

tubble waste has been a major The Haryana government has solid boards and furniture) and
challenge for farmers, but already taken a strong stance reduced environmental damage.
research is offering solutions against stubble burning, and Uttar
to turn this environmental Pradesh has reportedly reduced The De-composer
Schallenge into a valuable pollution from stubble burning to
opportunity for their income some extent. Punjab is awaiting Solution
and community health. Rather to adopt alternative methods and Research has led to the
than burning the stubble to clear address the ongoing environmental development of a solution called
fields for sowing, composting it challenges. “de-composer,” which breaks down
is one of the foremost innovative The farming community should crop residue into a soil enhancer
solutions. Research by both come together in a movement for the next planting season.
government organizations and to implement stubble burning The process involves using eight
private enterprises has introduced alternatives, presenting proposals microbes combined into capsules,
additional uses for stubble, for funding from relevant agencies which are then made into a liquid
including creating building and reaping the rewards. Benefits solution. When sprayed over the
materials through compression include improved soil fertility crop residue, the microbes break
in moulds or stacking bales in through composting, additional down the stubble into organic
polythene to make furniture. income from turning crop residue compost instead of burning it.
The reluctance of farmers to into recycled products (such as Four capsules, priced at a nominal
embrace these solutions is puzzling,
given the negative environmental
impact of burning crop residues.
New Delhi and the adjacent
National Capital Region (NCR)
are often shrouded in smog, which
causes severe health problems
for both humans and animals
during the winter months. State
governments in Haryana, Punjab,
and Uttar Pradesh, which surround
the national capital, have been
trying to convince farmers to adopt
alternatives to burning, with little
success. Surprisingly, the solutions
discussed above — outlined in
detail below — should encourage
farmers to seize the opportunity
to transform waste into wealth,
ensuring future generations view
crop residue as an asset rather than
a burden.

54 FEBRUARY 2025•Clean India Journal•www.cleanindiajournal.com