EXCLUSIVE: Amid deteriorating air quality, experts share sustainable alternatives to prevent air pollution in Delhi
Air pollution: Experts suggested that the central government could establish stubble management zones in areas where stubble burning is a major problem.
New Delhi: Amid the deteriorating air quality in the national capital and other major cities, experts have shared some of the crucial inputs on sustainable alternatives to prevent air pollution in the country. The development comes as a thick layer of smog blanketed the national capital on Wednesday morning and air quality was recorded in the ‘severe’ category in several parts of Delhi.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), air quality in RK Puram was recorded at 420, 408 in New Moti Bagh, 404 in IGI Airport area and 433 in Nehru Nagar, all in the severe category.
Use crop residues for mulching, animal feed
Speaking to India.com, Harshal Sonawane, Head of Sustainability at nurture.farm, said that implementing techniques such as using crop residues for mulching, animal feed, composting, bioenergy production, mushroom cultivation and construction material will reduce air pollution, improve agriculture good come and the environment.
He also said optimizing the use of fertilizers and inputs can also reduce agricultural emissions. However, the endeavor is not without challenges. These include the need for awareness and education of agricultural stakeholders, initial investment costs and potential yield fluctuations.
Need for good policy frameworks
“Overcoming these barriers involves offering training programs, financial incentives and building support networks. Collaborative efforts with government agencies can facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices. Policy frameworks that encourage environmentally conscious agriculture and provide means for seamless transitions can be encouraged,” he said.
Proposing another alternative, Akash Gupta, co-founder and CEO of Zypp Electric, said that with 11 million vehicles in 2023, Delhi faces severe air pollution, mainly caused by vehicle emissions that contribute to more than 60% of the problem.
“It is imperative to enforce strict vehicle emission standards given the alarming levels of air pollution in urban areas. At the same time, a strong push to promote electric vehicle (EV) adoption is essential,” he said.
Transition to electric vehicles crucial to combat pollution
Gupta further added that encouraging the transition to electric vehicles will not only reduce vehicle emissions but also promote a sustainable and eco-friendly transportation ecosystem. “In addition, urgent action is needed to improve pollution control technologies in industrial units, thereby addressing another major source of environmental degradation and safeguarding public health and ecological balance,” he said.
Shailendra Singh Rao, founder of Creduce, said stubble burning simply causes air pollution as it is the practice of burning crop residue after harvest.
“The government can ban stubble burning altogether, with strict penalties for violators. This would be the most effective way to reduce air pollution from stubble burning,” he said.
Ban stubble burning
Shailendra Singh Rao added that the government can also enforce existing laws banning stubble burning. This includes carrying out regular checks and inspections, and imposing fines on violators.
“The government can establish stubble management zones in areas where stubble burning is a major problem. These zones would be subject to stricter regulations and enforcement measures,” he stated.
He added that the government can also provide financial incentives such as crop residue management payments, tax breaks for farmers who adopt sustainable crop residue management practices. And crop insurance premium waivers for farmers who adopt sustainable crop residue management practices.