Stubble burning increased this year: EPCA

NEW DELHI: Bhure Lal, chairperson of Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) on November 16, said that there have been more cases of stubble burning in the neighbouring States this year compared to the last year. 

There is an urgent need to change the mentality of people so that they look at the alternatives to this practice, Lal added. Bhure Lal was speaking at a workshop on bulk utilisation of crop residue for the economic and environmental sustainability. The worksop was organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

Lal further said, “Paddy straw can be a very rich source of fertilizers. Its best utilisation would be to merge it with soil. Despite the enforcement being strict this time, more stubble burning was recorded this year as compared to last year.”. 

One of the major causes for poor air quality in Delhi is the burning of crop residue in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana. The air quality in the Capital on November 8 faced the worst air quality of the season as smog caused due to bursting of firecrackers engulfed the city. He said the practice of stubble burning has been prevailing despite granting of subsidies. 

However, V.N. Kale, Additional Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s welfare, was also present at the event, said that about 17 million tonnes of paddy straw was burnt last year, whereas this year it was around 13-15 million tonnes. 

In a letter to the Central Pollution (Prevention & Control) Board (CPCB), Mr. Lal on November 14 recommended the implementation of either the odd-even scheme or a complete ban on the non-CNG private vehicles if pollution levels in Delhi increased again.  

(With PTI inputs)