The Delhi government has announced an initiative to combat rising air pollution during the winter months by spraying bio-decomposer solutions over farmlands. This is a key measure aimed at managing crop residue and preventing stubble burning, which significantly contributes to smog and poor air quality in Delhi and its neighboring states.
The Issue of Stubble Burning
Stubble burning is a longstanding issue in the region, particularly after the harvest season. Farmers often resort to burning the leftover residue from crops like rice, leading to the release of vast amounts of smoke and pollutants. This worsens air quality and is a major cause of winter smog.
Bio-Decomposer: A Sustainable Solution
The bio-decomposer, developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), is a microbial solution that accelerates the breakdown of crop stubble, turning it into compost. This provides farmers with an eco-friendly alternative to stubble burning, improving soil fertility and reducing air pollution.
Implementation and Impact
The Delhi government plans to spray the bio-decomposer across thousands of acres of farmland. This effort is part of a larger strategy to improve air quality, which declines drastically during winter due to stubble burning, vehicle emissions, and other pollutants. The initiative not only benefits the environment but also helps farmers by promoting sustainable farming practices.
Appeal for Broader Adoption
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal stressed the importance of reducing pollution and called on other states to implement similar measures. The government hopes that the bio-decomposer initiative, along with other pollution control efforts, will significantly improve air quality during the winter months.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary purpose of the Delhi government’s bio-decomposer initiative?
- a) To increase crop yield
- b) To reduce winter air pollution
- c) To promote the use of chemical fertilizers
- d) To encourage stubble burning
- Answer: b) To reduce winter air pollution
- What problem does stubble burning cause in Delhi and neighboring states?
- a) Water pollution
- b) Soil erosion
- c) Air pollution and smog
- d) Noise pollution
- Answer: c) Air pollution and smog
- Who developed the bio-decomposer solution?
- a) Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
- b) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- c) Delhi University
- d) Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change
- Answer: a) Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
- How does the bio-decomposer benefit farmers?
- a) By reducing water usage
- b) By increasing crop growth speed
- c) By converting crop stubble into compost and enhancing soil fertility
- d) By reducing the need for manual labor
- Answer: c) By converting crop stubble into compost and enhancing soil fertility
- What additional pollution control measures did the Delhi government emphasize?
- a) Increasing industrial production
- b) Reducing vehicle emissions
- c) Building more highways
- d) Encouraging more stubble burning
- Answer: b) Reducing vehicle emissions