To deter stubble burning, Delhi govt launches drive to spray bio-decomposer in paddy fields

Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Friday initiated a campaign to administer bio-decomposer spray in the capital’s paddy fields as a preventive measure against stubble burning.

Since 2020, the Delhi government has been utilizing the Pusa bio-decomposer, a microbial solution capable of breaking down paddy residue within 15-20 days, to curb stubble burning in the city.

The period from October to November witnesses a significant surge in air pollution in Delhi-NCR, largely attributed to farm fires.

Last year, the government employed the bio-decomposer over 4,400 acres of paddy fields, and Rai mentioned that the coverage would extend to 5,000 acres during the current season.

Minister Rai acknowledged the widespread issue of stubble burning in Punjab, expressing optimism that the measures implemented by the AAP government in the agrarian state would lead to a reduction in farm fires.

As per the Union Environment Ministry, farm fires contributed substantially to Delhi’s PM2.5 pollution, constituting 34% on November 3 last year and escalating to 48% on November 7, 2021.

(With PTI inputs)