‘Parali’: Why burning it pollutes Delhi-NCR’s air during winters?
Every winter, the National Capital Region suffers from environmental pollution like smog that severely affects the daily lives of Delhiites. Other states that face similar issues include Haryana and Punjab. The problem worsens with the burning of stubble, popularly called ‘parali’ in Hindi, a popular practice in many parts of the country.
This burning of ‘parali’ has been identified as one of the major reasons of air pollution in these regions apart from vehicular and industrial emission. This is why, the National Green Tribunal has declared a ban on the burning of stubble in all northern states. However, farmers still indulge in this activity, to prepare their crop fields for the next year’s harvesting. Here’s everything you need to know about this toxic practice and its alternatives.
What is ‘parali’ or stubble?
‘Parali’ or stubble are the short stalks left behind in the field after crops have been harvested for the year. When crops such as paddy fully ripen, the upper portion is picked, while the rest of the lower portion is left to rot, until it is burned and cleared away. Since this leftover is useless for the farmers, they let it dry out and then gradually start burning them during the months of October and November, before the start of winter. This is a kind of preparation for the upcoming sowing season, that is, the next year’s springtime.
What are the harmful side-effects of stubble burning?
Stubble burning is severely hazardous for the environment as it releases harmful gases like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. This can cause severe health problems in people/ The ailments include respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis, lung blockage, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and even skin and eye irritations. It also affects the quality of the soil by destroying its natural nutrients. Therefore, stubble burning is in no way advantageous for farmers.
What is the National Green Tribunal doing about it?
In 2018, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had permanently banned stubble burning due to its toxic effects on the environment. In fact, NGT even ordered the concerned state governments to impose a fine of INR 2500 if even a single straw is lighted on 2 to 5 acres of land. The amount was asked to be doubled for every 5 acres of land.
To prevent the farmers from this practice, NGT also initiated incentives for the ones who refrain from it. The court has further asked to offer Crop Residue Management machines to the farmers to help them recycle the stubble and convert it into useful organic fertilizer through the process of decentralized composting.
Suitable alternatives
According to scientists at the Centre for Science and Environment, there are three primary alternatives to stubble or ‘parali’ burning, namely – stubble treatments such as in-situ and ex-situ management along with change of crop pattern. For in-situ treatment, governments will provide farming equipment to blend the stubble back into the land. However, experts suggest the last method as the most convenient solution.