As Delhi grapples with dangerously poor air quality, a recent study reveals that stubble burning a major contributor to pollution is escalating in states other than Punjab and Haryana. Data from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) shows that Madhya Pradesh has recorded the highest number of stubble burning cases last week, marking a worrying shift in air pollution sources affecting Delhi.
Madhya Pradesh Emerges as Top Contributor
For the week of October 19 to October 25, Madhya Pradesh registered 536 incidents of stubble burning, far exceeding Punjab’s 401 cases and Haryana’s 192. This emerging trend suggests that the problem of crop residue burning is shifting geographically, with Madhya Pradesh now on the forefront.
Stubble burning contributes significantly to Delhi’s air pollution, accounting for roughly 15% of the city’s pollution levels in recent days. While air quality improved slightly over the past 48 hours, projections from the Air Quality Early Warning System indicate that Delhi’s AQI may hit the hazardous level of 400 by October 31.
Decline in Punjab, Surge in Central India
Despite traditionally bearing the blame for Delhi’s pollution crisis, Punjab has seen a significant reduction in stubble burning over recent years. Between September 15 and October 25 in 2020, Punjab reported over 16,000 cases, which has dropped to 1,749 cases this year. However, the increase in Madhya Pradesh and other central states is troubling. Madhya Pradesh, for instance, recorded 869 cases this year—a notable rise compared to 291 and 210 cases during the same period in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan Also Contribute
The report also highlights higher-than-expected stubble burning activity in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, with both states reporting more cases than Haryana last week. Uttar Pradesh recorded 192 incidents, while Rajasthan saw 203.
This shift underscores the need for broader, multi-state strategies to manage stubble burning and air pollution. With the onset of winter exacerbating air quality issues, it is crucial for states to implement stricter measures to curb crop residue burning and explore sustainable alternatives to protect public health.
As Delhi and neighboring regions brace for a potentially severe pollution wave, addressing this growing crisis requires immediate attention across all affected states.
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