The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): The Government of India has launched a multifaceted approach to control the emissions arising from stubble burning in the Delhi-NCR region, a critical factor contributing to air pollution. This initiative encompasses a range of strategies, all aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices and reducing the environmental footprint of farming.
One of the key measures is the provision of subsidies for agricultural mechanization. Under the Central Sector Scheme for in-situ management of Crop Residue, farmers are encouraged to adopt modern agricultural machines and equipment that facilitate in-situ crop residue management. The scheme, which provides a 50% subsidy to individual farmers and an 80% subsidy for the establishment of Custom Hiring Centers, was integrated into the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) in 2022 and further merged with the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).
In a groundbreaking directive, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has mandated coal-based thermal power plants within a 300 km radius of Delhi to co-fire their coal with biomass-based pellets and torrefied pellets/briquettes. This initiative, focusing particularly on paddy straw, aims to blend up to 5-10% of biomass with coal, thereby reducing reliance on coal and mitigating emissions.
The state governments of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have also been directed by the CAQM to effectively implement a framework and revised action plan. This plan is designed to eliminate and control the practice of stubble burning, a prevalent issue in these states during the post-harvest season.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has taken a proactive role in supporting the establishment of paddy straw-based pelletization and torrefaction plants. Recognizing the importance of addressing supply chain issues related to the open burning of paddy straw, CPCB has framed guidelines for providing financial assistance for setting up these plants. The support includes a maximum amount of Rs. 28 lakhs or 40% of the capital cost for a plant with a capacity of 1 TPH, subject to a total financial support of Rs. 1.4 crore per proposal, with an earmarked corpus of Rs. 50 crores.
An addendum to the CPCB guidelines has further expanded this support to Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Zilla Parishads in Punjab, Haryana, NCT of Delhi, and NCR districts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. This initiative focuses on establishing paddy straw-based briquetting plants, particularly for producing briquettes used in crematoria.
In a strategic move, the CPCB deployed 33 scientists as flying squads during the peak of the harvesting season, from November 10, 2023, to its end. These squads were tasked with assisting the CAQM in intensifying monitoring and enforcement actions to prevent stubble burning incidents in 22 districts of Punjab and 11 districts of Haryana. The teams coordinated closely with state governments and pollution control boards to ensure compliance and control of stubble burning.
On January 30, 2024, the CPCB issued comprehensive directions under Section 18 (1) (b) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, to all State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees. These directions are aimed at the comprehensive management of paddy straw and other agro-residues, further cementing the government’s commitment to addressing this environmental challenge.
Collectively, these measures represent a significant effort by the Indian government to tackle the issue of stubble burning in the Delhi-NCR region. By encouraging sustainable agricultural practices, providing financial and technical support, and enforcing environmental regulations, these initiatives mark a critical step towards reducing air pollution and promoting ecological balance in the region.