The Stick Has To Be Used For The Right Thing

The Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority (EPCA) was set up on a directive from the Supreme Court of India to tackle critical impacts of pollution. Its chairman (and former Secretary, CVC) Bhure Lal, tells BW Businessworld’s Prabodh Krishna that the impact of stubble burning on the winter air is severe

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What is the mid-October to November weather pattern like in the northern plains of India?

We presume that from 15 October there will be moisture in the air. Air speed will get retarded and because of low wind velocity and moisture in the environment, dust particles and particulate matter will then settle on these water vapours and start causing trouble.

How is the air quality index impacted once stubble burning begins in the farm fields around Delhi?

It (stuble burning) generates carbon, it generates some sulphur and many other toxic gases and particulate matter too, so it is going to complicate the situation for sure. Media has been reporting figures of emissions, all of course, toxic in nature.

What are the wind patterns like in this season? Do they aggravate the situation greatly?

From 1 November, winds are expected from the side of Punjab and if stubble continues to burn there, there is no need to tell you what the consequences could be.

Farm union leaders say wind patterns are usually east to west in this season and that stubble burning is not to blame for the high pollution .

Let me tell you, no one can control wind patterns. Man has no control over it. I will remind everyone that some three months back, dusts from Oman penetrated Delhi. It can’t be controlled.

Why is stubble burning such a nightmare?