Stubble Burning and Urban Environmental Pollution: Impacts and Control Measures

Urban air pollution poses a significant challenge in India’s major cities, including Delhi, Noida, and Gurgaon, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and industrialization. Stubble burning, a prominent contributor to air pollution, adds to the woes of the National Capital Territory. This process accounts for a substantial portion of global biomass-burning incidents, with India alone burning 14 million metric tonnes of stubble annually. Other factors, such as coal plants, vehicular emissions, and deforestation, exacerbate the issue. Indirect causes, including historical agricultural practices and inadequate government policies, compound the problem. The resultant primary pollutants degrade air quality and disrupt the climate system by releasing harmful greenhouse gases and adversely affecting soil productivity and carbon–nitrogen equilibrium. Health impacts are severe, with Delhi residents experiencing a significant reduction in life expectancy due to air pollution-related ailments such as asthma and acute respiratory infections. The economic toll is also substantial, with air pollution’s cumulative impact rising to 7.7% of GDP in 2018. Nature-based solutions, such as urban forestry and green spaces, offer a promising avenue for combating air pollution in densely populated cities like Delhi. These interventions may support urban agriculture, mitigate urban heat islands, and reduce soil erosion, noise pollution, and energy consumption. The Delhi government has initiated several measures to increase urban greenery, including biodiversity parks and green ambulance services. However, more concerted efforts and policy interventions are needed to effectively address the multifaceted challenge of urban air pollution.