Why stubble fires keep coming back
Stubble burning in North India remains a major contributor to severe air pollution during the winter months. The practice, which began in the late 1970s, has been exacerbated by agricultural policies that shifted planting and harvesting schedules.
Why it matters
This is a critical environmental and public health issue affecting millions of people in India, highlighting the conflict between agricultural practices and air quality.
I t is that time of the year when air pollution in North India, and in Delhi in particular, takes centre stage in public discourse. One oft-cited reason for the worsening air quality index (AQI) is stubble burning by farmers.
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