Persistence of Stubble Burning in North India:
The recurring issue of stubble burning in North India, particularly in Punjab and Haryana, has renewed concerns over deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR, highlighting the need to address the economic, technological and policy factors driving the practice.Stubble burning persists because of the paddy-wheat cropping cycle, groundwater conservation restrictions, assured procurement and the high cost of alternative residue-management methods.Sustainable reduction requires crop diversification, stronger incentives for residue utilisation, affordable technology and improved satellite-based monitoring rather than excessive dependence on penalties.Stubble burning refers to the practice of setting fire to leftover crop residues, particularly straw and stalks, after harvesting crops such as paddy and wheat.It is commonly practised to clear paddy residues before wheat sowing, typically between October and November.The practice is particularly prevalent in Punjab, Haryana and parts of Uttar Pradesh.
