Pollution in Delhi is steadily increasing, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 400 in multiple AQI monitoring locations. It has become alarmingly severe with haze building across the cities, leading to significant injuries to daily public life and respiratory and health conditions. This alarming pollution has also sparked repeated concerns about the neighboring states and their stubble burning in our region, which is driving these concerns and complaints from elected officials.
Shocking Videos of Stubble Burning Released
Anurag Dhanda, AAP’s national media in-charge, shared shocking videos on his social media platform ‘X’ depicting stubble burning in Haryana. The videos showed crop residue that is burned on a massive scale, which is a major contributor to air quality issues in New Delhi. Dhanda’s videos underscored the inaction of the Haryana government to address the environmental disaster.
Questions Raised by Dhanda about Saini Government’s Actions
Dhanda’s posts raise several questions for the Saini government about who is accountable and what is being done to stop stubble burning. Dhanda pointed out that there are “continuously” videos of stubble burning coming out of Haryana, and he questioned whether there are any preventive measures being taken. This emphasis on taking initiative shows the extent a portion of the public is concerned about environmental governance and the state of air quality in regard to safety for the population.
The Broader Public Health Impact
While stubble burning is a political issue in the state context, it is also an environmental challenge for all and an immediate threat to human health. At the same time, while people in Delhi are suffering under thick clouds of smog, the party contention between the BJP-Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has escalated. Leaders such as Anurag Dhanda are pushing back with accountability and to push for policies to provide less pollution and sustainable farming practices.
The Case for Urgency
Ultimately, the videos serve as an urgent reminder to all that pollution is a shared responsibility among all state governments, farmers, and environmental agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). But there are ways to alleviate the issue of burning crops in proximity to Delhi with some quick interventions, such as providing farmers with alternatives to burning crops, strict enforcement of anti-burning regulations, and farmer education to raise awareness around the issue.
Raising Awareness for Cleaner Air
Anurag Dhanda’s project highlights our roles as aware individuals and agents of change in environmental risk. By raising awareness in our communities, and leveraging pressure for action from government(s) we can improve air quality and health for the people of Delhi and the surrounding area.
