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Supreme Court Expresses Concern Over Stubble Burning in Punjab and Haryana

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Supreme Court Expresses Concern Over Stubble Burning in Punjab and Haryana

The Supreme Court has criticized the governments of Punjab and Haryana for not taking adequate measures to prevent stubble burning. This practice has been a major contributor to the decline in air quality in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).

  • Court’s Observation: The states have failed to implement the directions given by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in 2021 to curb stubble burning.

What is Stubble Burning?

  • Stubble (or Parali) refers to the lower part of rice crops left in the field after harvesting. Farmers often burn this residue to clear fields quickly for the next crop cycle.
  • Timing of Stubble Burning:
    • It is typically practiced between September and November to prepare the land for wheat cultivation.
    • Combine harvesters leave significant crop residue behind, necessitating a quick solution before the next sowing.

Factors Contributing to Stubble Burning:

  • Short Crop Cycle:
    • Limited time between harvesting rice and planting wheat leads to burning as the easiest and fastest option.
  • Cost-Effective Method:
    • Burning stubble is considered the cheapest way to clear fields, especially for small-scale farmers.

Impact of Stubble Burning:

  1. Air Pollution:
    • Major source of pollutants like PM10, PM2.5, and NOx, causing severe health hazards.
  2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
    • Contributes to the rise in global temperatures due to the release of greenhouse gases.
  3. Loss of Soil Nutrients:
    • Burning depletes organic content from the soil, reducing fertility over time.

Alternatives to Stubble Burning:

  • Incorporating Residue into Soil:
    • Enhances soil fertility and moisture retention while replenishing nutrients.
  • Utilizing Agricultural Residue:
    • The leftover stubble can be used to produce animal feed and organic compost.
  • Production of Bran Oil, Bioethanol, and Biogas:
    • Crop residue can be repurposed for creating biofuels and biogas, reducing waste.

Initiatives to Tackle Stubble Burning:

  • Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):

    • A statutory body formed to regulate air quality in the NCR and adjoining areas under the CAQM Act, 2021.

  • Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):

    • A crisis management tool activated when air quality deteriorates to dangerous levels in the NCR.

  • Crop Residue Management (CRM) Schemes:

    • Efforts to increase the affordability of equipment used for CRM to incentivize farmers to adopt eco-friendly alternatives.

2 Answers

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Prelims Questions

  1. Which of the following pollutants are released during stubble burning?
    a) PM2.5, NOx, and Ozone
    b) Methane, Ozone, and Sulfur Dioxide
    c) PM10, PM2.5, and NOx
    d) Carbon Monoxide and CFCs
    Answer: c) PM10, PM2.5, and NOx
    Explanation: Stubble burning releases several harmful pollutants, including particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), causing severe health and environmental impacts.

  2. Consider the following statements regarding the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):

    1. It is a statutory body responsible for air quality management in NCR and surrounding areas.
    2. The CAQM can only act when air quality deteriorates to hazardous levels.
    3. GRAP is implemented under the CAQM's guidelines to address emergencies.
      Which of the above statements is/are correct?
      a) 1 and 2 only
      b) 1 and 3 only
      c) 2 and 3 only
      d) 1, 2, and 3
      Answer: b) 1 and 3 only
      Explanation: CAQM is a statutory body that works continuously to regulate air quality. GRAP is implemented as part of CAQM's strategy when air quality levels become poor.

  3. Which of the following is an alternative to stubble burning?
    a) Use of chemical pesticides
    b) Application of herbicides to crops
    c) Incorporating residue into the soil to improve fertility
    d) Increasing the usage of combine harvesters
    Answer: c) Incorporating residue into the soil to improve fertility
    Explanation: Incorporating stubble into the soil improves fertility and moisture retention, helping avoid the need for burning.

Mains Questions

  1. "Critically evaluate the effectiveness of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in tackling stubble burning in the NCR region."

    • Word Limit: 250
    • Points to Consider:
      • Role and powers of CAQM
      • Challenges in implementation at the state level
      • Recommendations for improved coordination between states and the central authority

  2. "Stubble burning has significant environmental and health implications. Discuss the socio-economic factors behind this practice and suggest sustainable alternatives."

    • Word Limit: 300
    • Points to Consider:
      • Socio-economic pressures on small-scale farmers
      • Environmental and health impacts of stubble burning
      • Alternatives like biofuel production, composting, and residue management

  3. "Analyze the impact of stubble burning on air quality in the Delhi-NCR region. What policy measures can be introduced to balance environmental sustainability and farmers' interests?"

    • Word Limit: 200
    • Points to Consider:
      • Effect on air pollution and public health
      • Existing policy measures and gaps
      • Recommendations for balancing ecological and economic concerns
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Multi-Track Diplomacy

The ASEAN-India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue was recently held in Singapore, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy in international relations.

Track 1 Diplomacy

  • Definition: Refers to formal diplomatic exchanges between or among governments.
  • Participants: These discussions are generally conducted by diplomats, heads of state, and official government representatives.

Other Tracks of Diplomacy

  • Track 1.5 Diplomacy:

    • Involves both government officials and non-government representatives engaging in informal dialogue.
    • Less formal than Track 1 diplomacy but still influential.

  • Track 2 Diplomacy:

    • Comprises non-governmental experts, think tanks, and academics, engaging in discussions without direct government involvement.
    • Examples include informal dialogues such as the 1993 Oslo Accords, which originated as Track 2 discussions before formal negotiations.

SARTHI System

The National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM-K) has introduced the Solar Assisted Reefer Transportation with Hybrid Controls and Intelligence (SARTHI) system.

About SARTHI

  • Objective: To minimize post-harvest losses in agriculture by improving the transportation of perishable goods.

  • Functionality:

    • SARTHI offers hybrid controls for optimizing storage conditions for vegetables and fruits.
    • It monitors temperature and humidity, ensuring optimal conditions during transport.

  • Use of IoT and Real-Time Monitoring:

    • Sensors track temperature, humidity, ethylene levels, and CO2 concentrations to maintain quality.
    • These tools help farmers and traders make informed decisions, ensuring the delivery of high-quality produce to markets.

Five Eyes Alliance

The Five Eyes (FVEY) Alliance is an intelligence-sharing network between five countries:

  • Members: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
  • Role: It specializes in surveillance and signals intelligence (SIGINT).
  • Recent Development: Canada’s support in diplomatic tensions highlights the alliance’s importance in maintaining diplomatic cohesion.

Hellfire Missile

India has signed an agreement with the United States to procure 170 AGM-114R Hellfire Missiles to strengthen its defense capabilities.

About AGM-114R Hellfire Missiles

  • Type: Air-to-Ground Missile (AGM) with a range of 7-11 kilometers.
  • Technology: Equipped with precision guidance using a Semi-Active Laser (SAL).
  • Deployment:
    • It can be launched from aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), helicopters, and boats.
    • It has been widely used in counter-terrorism operations and military missions worldwide.

Prelims Questions

  1. Consider the following pairs related to Tracks of Diplomacy:

    Diplomacy TrackDescription
    1. Track 1 DiplomacyNon-official negotiations among think tanks
    2. Track 1.5 DiplomacyInformal dialogue between government officials
    3. Track 2 DiplomacyFormal exchanges between heads of state

    Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
    a) 1 and 2 only
    b) 2 only
    c) 1, 2, and 3
    d) 2 and 3 only
    Answer: b) 2 only
    Explanation: Track 1.5 diplomacy involves informal dialogue between both government officials and non-governmental participants, while Track 1 and Track 2 have distinct roles.

  2. Which of the following countries is NOT part of the Five Eyes (FVEY) Alliance?
    a) Australia
    b) Canada
    c) Japan
    d) New Zealand
    Answer: c) Japan
    Explanation: The Five Eyes Alliance comprises Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with no involvement from Japan.

  3. What is the range of the AGM-114R Hellfire Missile procured by India?
    a) 1-3 kilometers
    b) 7-11 kilometers
    c) 15-20 kilometers
    d) 25-30 kilometers
    Answer: b) 7-11 kilometers
    Explanation: The AGM-114R Hellfire Missile is an air-to-ground missile with a range between 7 to 11 kilometers, known for precision targeting.

Mains Questions

  1. "Evaluate the role of Track 1.5 and Track 2 diplomacy in resolving complex international disputes. Provide examples to support your answer."

    • Word Limit: 250
    • Points to Consider:
      • Definition of Track 1.5 and Track 2 diplomacy
      • Examples like the 1993 Oslo Accords
      • Importance of non-state actors in diplomacy

  2. "Discuss the significance of SARTHI in minimizing post-harvest losses and improving agricultural transportation in India."

    • Word Limit: 300
    • Points to Consider:
      • Features of SARTHI such as IoT integration
      • Impact on agriculture supply chains
      • Recommendations for expanding the use of similar technologies

  3. "Analyze the importance of the Five Eyes (FVEY) Alliance in global intelligence sharing. How does it enhance member nations' security?"

    • Word Limit: 200
    • Points to Consider:
      • Role of the alliance in sharing signals intelligence
      • Impact on diplomatic and defense strategies
      • Importance of trust and coordination among members
...