Delhi, a landlocked city in northern India, is a metropolis and part of the national capital region. As the capital of India, it hosts significant government institutions, including the seat of Parliament and the Supreme Court, making it the center of India’s political and judicial processes. Delhi has a rich historical legacy, reflected in its diverse architecture and demographic changes over time.
The city played a major role in history as it was constantly invaded and served as a seat for numerous rulers. Every change, the most recent being the partition riots and mass migration of 1947, has led to a change in the demographics and, in turn, the culture of the city. Moreover, being the national capital, it is an important location when it comes to civil society to raise voices. The most recent farmers’ protests and protests against the CAA are examples.
As a Union Territory with its legislative assembly, Delhi combines both central and local governance. It is led by a Chief Minister and a Lietenant Governot. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has been in power in the city-state since 2015. The AAP government has focused on improving essential services like education, healthcare, and public transportation. As one of the world’s most populous cities, Delhi faces challenges such as air pollution, traffic congestion, waste management, and urban planning. The AAP government has focused on improving education, healthcare, and public transport, especially the expansion of metro services.
Politically, Delhi is a battleground for various political parties, with the BJP, Congress, and AAP all playing important roles in shaping the city’s policy landscape. Delhi’s status as the national capital gives it a unique political significance and a place at the center of India’s decision-making process.
A city that blends ancient history with modern infrastructure, Delhi is home to iconic landmarks like the Red Fort, India Gate, Qutub Minar, and the Lotus Temple, alongside vibrant cultural and shopping districts.
It is really a ” BURNING ISSUE ”. Farmers are always on the receiving end. No doubt burning the stubble is not a desirable practice as it pollutes the environment, nevertheless penalizing the farmers is a kind of arm twisting. Instead the central government must direct ICAR and Directorate of Rice Research Institute (DRRI) Hyderabad to suggest low cost technology to dispose of the straw and stubble in the field. In this regard I would like to share my sugarcane experience. I was burning sugar cane trash after harvest. I realized the hazards of burning and started using the tractor driven shredders. Such shredders are attached to the PTO shaft and driven all over the field. The trash is made in to small pieces and spread all over the field. Such organic mulch has the following advantages. They are good organic manure. Small pieces of trash decomposes faster. The mulch inhibits the growth of weeds. The humus improves the soil porosity and helps water holding capacity. Such humus acts as a good medium for soil organisms. Last but not least, no air pollution due to burning. As the C:N ratio would be high the soil needs to be supplemented with more N to narrow the ratio. One challenge as rightly pointed by the author is farmers can not afford the shredders which would be used only for 2-3 weeks. This is where the farmers need to be supported by incentivising them. May be by encouraging FPC to hire out the machines this BURNING ISSUE be resolved to a fair degree.
Good, in-depth analysis indeed
Firstly…. It is totally wrong to say that crop burning in punjab is affecting Delhi which is 200km away. This is utter nonsense. There are polluting industries in NCR and small fires and road sweeping dust which are responsible. Punjab should reject this allegation outright.
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Secondly… There is no need to start growing maize which is cattle feed. Indians will continue to eat wheat and rice till another century no matter what.
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Thirdly … Crop residue disposal should be referred to agriculture universities like pau, hau and Pantnagar, they will come out with a solution. They have great brains and will develop a way out in no time.
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I have no vested interest but I am appalled at the way ngt and Delhi are blaming agencies outside NCR.
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Great insight into a problem that should include collective steps by all concerned
Gadkari also talked abt making fuel from paddy leftovers…. shouldn’t he do what he said …run buses on this fuel…reduce pollution… political will count at.a time of National emergency like this!!
There is only solution to simple approach for making bales and out from field for use in industry fuel. Thanks.
It’s a typical example of problems that require combination of policy changes, scientific research and facilitating economic feasibility. Active participation of people from all walks of life is required.