Crop burning in Delhi major source of air pollution

Major contribution to the unbearable Delhi pollution was done by burning of agricultural waste, this system of burning waste during the months of October and March each year increases air pollution to a high level.

Delhi High Court directed Delhi and neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana on crop burning to reduce pollution.

The Division Bench of Justices S Ravindra Bhat and Sunil Gaur observed: “The serious deterioration of air quality in the Capital and the National Capital Region (NCR) is a matter of grave public concern and the steps taken to improve air quality by various agencies, the subject matter of continuous oversight by this Court in this public interest litigation.

During the course of these proceedings it is established that one contributory major component to air pollution in Delhi during the months of October and March each year is the burning of agricultural waste, including plant residue/stubble while harvesting the Kharif and Rabi crops (stubble burning).The emission of particulate matter from this stubble burning is beyond any acceptable human endurance, or danger levels.”