Understanding the Complex Factors Contributing to Delhi's Air Pollution Crisis

Delhi's air pollution is a pressing issue that requires a comprehensive understanding of its contributing factors. One major factor behind the annual smoke season in Delhi is the burning of crop residue by farmers in nearby states like Punjab and Haryana. Traditionally, farmers in Punjab used to burn the remnants of rice crops in their fields to prepare for sowing wheat. However, in recent years, they have delayed this burning until late October, which has significant consequences for Delhi's air quality.

The delayed burning of crop residue is a critical factor in the smoke reaching Delhi. Rice has a growth period of about 120 days between germination and harvest. Due to restrictions on sowing the grain, the fields are cleared only by October, coinciding with the change in wind direction. Wind flow pattern analysis reveals that during the monsoon season, wind primarily blows into Delhi from the west. However, in October, it starts blowing in from the north, carrying the smoke from the burning crop residue towards Delhi¹.

Another crucial contributing factor to Delhi's air pollution is the use of Monsanto's genetically modified maize crop in India. This crop requires a significant amount of water and is cultivated in regions already facing water scarcity. Additionally, it necessitates the extensive use of pesticides, which harm both the environment and human health. The cultivation of Monsanto's maize crop has been associated with increased air pollution in Delhi due to the alteration in wind direction caused by its water requirements¹.Maize is also responsible for change in sowing time of rice in around 2010.

Addressing Delhi's air pollution necessitates a multi-faceted approach. The government should take proactive measures to limit the burning of crop residue by farmers and promote sustainable farming practices. Educating farmers about alternative methods for managing crop residue, such as plowing it back into the soil, can significantly reduce the need for burning. Additionally, stricter regulations should be put in place to limit the use of genetically modified crops like Monsanto's maize to prevent further harm to the environment and human health.

It is crucial to recognize that Delhi's air pollution problem is not confined to a single factor, but rather, it is influenced by a combination of various interconnected issues. The burning of crop residue by farmers and the use of genetically modified crops are just two contributing factors among many others. Effective solutions must therefore consider the complexity of these factors and aim to address them holistically.

In summary, Delhi's air pollution is a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach to tackle. The burning of crop residue by farmers in neighboring states and the cultivation of genetically modified crops like Monsanto's maize are significant contributing factors. To mitigate this problem, the government should work towards reducing crop residue burning through sustainable farming practices and regulate the use of genetically modified crops. By taking these steps, we can make progress in improving Delhi's air quality and safeguarding the environment and human health.

References:

1. Law aiding Monsanto is reason for Delhi’s annual smoke season.

https://sundayguardianlive.com/news/12191-law-aiding-monsanto-reason-delhi-s-annual-smoke-season

2. Air pollution: Delhi's smog problem is rooted in India's water crisis - BBC.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-59808770

3. Crop Residue burning and its harmful Impacts: A review - Just Agriculture.

https://justagriculture.in/files/newsletter/2021/august/15.%20Crop%20Residue%20burning%20and%20its%20harmful%20Impacts%20A%20review.pdf