The recent study conducted in Punjab has shed light on the significant reduction of lung function due to the pollution caused by stubble burning. This environmental issue has been identified as particularly detrimental to the health of women living in rural parts of Punjab. The study was carried out in two phases which spanned from October 2018 to April 2019.
Detailed Findings of the Study
The key findings of the study were alarming. It revealed that the concentration of PM2.5 (Particulate Matter-2.5) increased more than twice between the two phases, escalating from 100 g/m³ to 250 g/m³. PM2.5 consists of particles with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometres, significantly thinner than a human hair, and can remain suspended for extended periods. Exposure to PM2.5 can lead to respiratory issues and reduced visibility. Additionally, it acts as an endocrine disruptor influencing insulin secretion and sensitivity, thus potentially contributing to diabetes.
Shockingly, these levels are around 10-15 times higher than the air quality standards prescribed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) even though the permissible standards set by India’s Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) are higher.
According to WHO, the annual average concentration of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/m3, while 24-hour average exposures should not exceed 15 µg/m3 for more than 3-4 days per year. As per CPCB, these values should not surpass 40 µg/m3 and 60 µg/m3 respectively.
Impact on Health
The health impact of this pollution is substantial. The study observed a two to three-fold increase in various respiratory symptoms like wheezing, breathlessness on exertion, skin rashes, and itchiness of eyes across all age groups (10-60 years). The elderly population (>40-60) reported the highest number of respiratory complaints. More concerning was the decline in lung function correlating with an increase in PM2.5 concentration with a 10-14% decrease in men and nearly 15-18% decline in women across all age categories.
The Issue of Stubble Burning
Stubble burning, defined as the act of setting fire to crop residues to clear the fields for the next crop, is a significant contributing factor to this pollution problem. This practice becomes particularly rampant around October and peaks in November, aligning with the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon. However, this method is the cheapest and quickest way for farmers in Haryana and Punjab to prepare for the winter crop (Rabi crop).
Effects of Stubble Burning
Stubble burning emits a large amount of toxic pollutants including harmful gases like methane (CH4), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Not only does it adversely affect human health by causing a thick layer of smog, but it also destroys soil nutrients, reduces soil fertility and leads to the loss of moisture and beneficial microbes due to heat penetration.
Alternative Approaches to Stubble Burning
There are several proposed alternatives to this harmful practice. These include in-situ treatment like crop residue management by zero-tiller machine, use of bio-decomposers, ex-situ treatment like using rice straw as cattle fodder, technological solutions like the Turbo Happy Seeder (THS) machine that can uproot stubble and sow seeds simultaneously, changing cropping patterns, and bio enzyme-PUSA, a radical solution developed by the Indian Agriculture Research Institute.
The State Governments of Punjab, National Capital Region (NCR) States and Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) have also come up with detailed action plans to tackle air pollution based on the framework given by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
Way Forward
Simply imposing fines will not be effective enough to curb stubble burning considering our socio-economic conditions. A more concentrated focus on alternative solutions is required. The government has taken steps towards distributing machines for in-situ management, but it needs to ensure their availability to all. More efforts are also needed in ex-situ management, where some companies have begun collecting stubble for use.