CHANDIGARH: If the prediction model of the environmental scientists of the PGI and Panjab University is accurate, the stubble burning will have started reducing after November 5 but the city's air-pollution level will be at its peak from Friday to Sunday.
The model is based on eight-year satellite image data of American space agency Nasa. The scientists found maximum stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana from October 31 to November 5. Chandigarh city is surrounded by these agricultural states that burn crop residue after summer and winter harvests at the risk of fouling their air. After November 5, the farmers will be ready to sow the next crop and so the smoke will reduce.
The weekend burning was the severest. All Saturdays and Sunday from September 19 to October 2, the fire count kept rising. These were the nonworking days, when no official can penalise the farmers, so they made use of this opportunity. Despite the stubble-burning season's coming to an end, pollution will remain and escalate.
‘Firewood, crackers to foul the air’
PU environment studies department chairperson Suman Mor said: “Pollutants takes time to settle after entering the air. There is no dilution if there is no wind. This month does not favour dispersion of pollutants.”
However, the scientists don't blame the farmers for this. Environment scientist Dr Ravindra Khaiwal of the PGI department of community medicine and school for public health said: “Of all the plans to control stubble-burning, few are implemented. The moment these farmers get an actual solution, they will not make these fires.”
The satellite imagery was analysed from 2012 onwards. Suman Mor said: “We wanted to let the public see the impact of stubble burning. Around this time, a lot of firewood anbd crackers also burn, which will only foul the air further.”