Pollution as pandemic

With the harvesting of paddy accompanied by its ensuing concomitant of straw burning likely to coincide with the government’s stated intent to unlock the economy further by the resumption of various modes of transport along with other activities, the Supreme Court’s directive to Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to hold meetings with stakeholders to check the problem that turns Delhi-NCR into a gas chamber during October-November is timely. But while the court may have served a reminder, the onus to put in place measures that may help check the problem will lie on the states which will necessitate close coordination among them. Just as the Covid-19 pandemic saw a renewed thrust being laid on public healthcare and boosting of medical facilities, the realisation has to dawn that pollution too affects us adversely, that also on a daily basis, and efforts are needed to check it.

Punjab has been asked if it could assure that no stubble burning will take place, a question that assumes significance for attempts have been made to promote crop diversification this year. In Delhi, the court was informed that efforts were on to install smog towers that compress particulate matter and reduce pollution, but that would take another 10 months. Meanwhile, urgent measures will be needed. The counsel for the farmers said they had not been consulted. The farming community is an important stakeholder and their views need to be ascertained and involvement in environmental protection ensured by safeguarding their interests.

Crop diversification, though advocated on the ground that paddy is a water-guzzling crop, despite being low maintenance, has been questioned on the ground that assured price and purchase of cash crops will prove to be a challenge. Punjab and Haryana have incentivised the cultivation of other crops in water-stressed areas. In UP, the setting up of bio-fuel plants has been advocated, where farmers can sell waste stubble for power generation. Checking the problem on the ground can be the best way and for that the farming community needs to be convinced through encouragement and awareness that the change will be for the better.

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