What is the impact of tardy progress on reducing stubble burning on the environment
The NHRC has expressed concerns about the slow progress in reducing stubble burning.
The tardy progress in reducing stubble burning has significant impacts on the environment. Here are some key points to consider:
- Air pollution: Stubble burning releases large quantities of pollutants into the atmosphere, including toxic gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and volatile organic compounds. This deteriorates air quality, leading to respiratory issues, eye irritation, and other health problems.
- Climate change: Stubble burning releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, contributing to global warming and climate change. This reinforces the urgent need to reduce stubble burning to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
- Soil degradation: Stubble burning removes vital organic matter from the soil and disrupts its nutrient balance. This hampers soil fertility, leading to reduced crop yields and decreased agricultural productivity in the long run.
- Water pollution: Ash generated from stubble burning can contaminate water bodies, affecting aquatic ecosystems and drinking water sources. This poses a threat to biodiversity and human health.
- Health hazards: The smoke generated during stubble burning contains harmful particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which can penetrate deep into the lungs. Prolonged exposure to such smoke can cause respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and other health complications.
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a year ago